California Legislature—2015–16 Regular Session

Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 62

Introduced by Assembly Member Baker

April 29, 2015

Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 62—Relative to California Cancer Survivors Day.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST

ACR 62, as introduced, Baker. California Cancer Survivors Day.

This measure would designate Sunday, June 7, 2015, as California Cancer Survivors Day, to coincide with National Cancer Survivors Day.

Fiscal committee: no.

WHEREAS, National Cancer Survivors Day is an annual,
treasured celebration of life that is held in hundreds of communities
nationwide, and around the world, on the first Sunday in June. It
is a celebration for those who have survived, an inspiration for
those recently diagnosed, a gathering of support for families, and
an outreach to the community. On National Cancer Survivors Day,
thousands gather across the globe to honor cancer survivors and
to show the world that life after a cancer diagnosis can be fruitful,
rewarding, and even inspiring; and

WHEREAS, It is a day for everyone, whether you are a cancer
survivor, family member, friend, or medical professional. This day
provides an opportunity for all people living with a history of
cancer, including America’s more than 14 million cancer survivors,
to connect with each other, celebrate milestones, and recognize
those who have supported them along the way. It is also a day to
draw attention to the ongoing challenges of cancer survivorship
in order to promote more resources, research, and survivor-friendly
legislation to improve cancer survivors’ quality of life; and

WHEREAS, Due to advances in cancer prevention, early
detection, treatment, and followup care, more people than ever
before are surviving the disease. In America alone, more than 14
million people are alive today after being diagnosed with cancer;
and

WHEREAS, Nonetheless, surviving cancer can leave a host of
problems in its wake. Physical, emotional, and financial hardships
often persist for years after diagnosis and treatment. Cancer
survivors are also at a greater risk for developing second cancers
and other health conditions; and

WHEREAS, Cancer survivors may face numerous challenges
during and after treatment, including (1) limited access to cancer
specialists and promising new treatments; (2) denial of health
insurance and life insurance coverage; (3) difficulty finding jobs;
and (4) economic burdens due to mounting medical expenses, lost
wages, and reduced productivity; and

WHEREAS, In addition to these challenges, cancer survivors
may face emotional struggles, strains on personal relationships,
and profound fear of cancer recurrence. The effects of cancer do
not simply end when treatment does; and

WHEREAS, The National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation
believes that more resources, research, and survivor-friendly
legislation are needed to improve the quality of life of cancer
survivors, both during and after treatment. The Legislature urges
everyone who participates in National Cancer Survivors Day
celebrations to not only recognize those who are living with a
history of cancer, but also raise awareness of the hardship cancer
survivors face beyond treatment; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate
thereof concurring, That the Legislature designates Sunday, June
7, 2015, as California Cancer Survivors Day, to coincide with
National Cancer Survivors Day; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies
of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.