1Designating the month of March 2013 as "Multiple Myeloma
2Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

3WHEREAS, Multiple myeloma, or myeloma, the second most common
4blood cancer worldwide, is a cancer of plasma cells in the bone
5marrow and is called "multiple" because the cancer can occur at
6multiple sites; and

7WHEREAS, Multiple myeloma currently affects more than 100,000
8people in the United States, with an estimated 20,000 new cases
9diagnosed annually and 10,000 individuals losing their battle
10each year; and

11WHEREAS, Once a disease of the elderly, it is now being found
12in increasing numbers in people under 65 years of age; and

13WHEREAS, Because myeloma is a rare disease, there can be a
14delayed diagnosis, leading to delayed treatment, and for this

1reason an increased awareness of myeloma for clinicians and the
2general public will lead to earlier diagnosis, allowing people
3to live longer; and

4WHEREAS, Continued investment and innovation is critical to
5achieve early diagnosis and implement the most effective and
6safest treatments for myeloma patients; and

7WHEREAS, Although we have seen important advances in the last
8decade, there is still no cure for myeloma; therefore be it

9RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate the
10month of March 2013 as "Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month" in
11Pennsylvania.