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Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2021 - 2022 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	January 11, 2021 11:30 AM
From:	Senator David J. Arnold, Jr. and Sen. Jake Corman
To:	All Senate members
Subject:	Recognizing June 2021 as 'Cancer Survivors Recognition Month'

Last session, I introduced a resolution designating the month of June 2020 as ‘Cancer Survivors Recognition Month’ in Pennsylvania. I would like to thank my colleagues who joined me in sponsoring SR333, and for all those which voted for its unanimous adoption.   As many of you may know, I have been battling cancer since 2019. Throughout the past year I have developed a deep understanding of what it truly means to fight this disease and the emotional and physical toll it takes. Throughout my journey, I have met a number of awe-inspiring individuals who continue their fight to survive, every single day. Taken from my Floor remarks on SR333 of 2020: “There are a lot of cancer survivors out there, and I consider them all heroes. I have my own specific heroes. Ashley Zimmerman, who, at the age of 3 months old, was found to have four tumors, neuroblastomas, and she is now 11 years old and is doing great, and I could not be more proud of that girl. My friend, Brittany Schmehl, from the Inspector General's Office--I got to know her well, professionally, as a DA--has been in a battle with breast cancer for several years now, and she has also been a hero to me in the leadership she has displayed. Finally, a gentleman named Steve McCracken, who lives in Lebanon, reached out to me when he heard my story. Steve also has the exact same type of cancer I have, and he has been battling through that for the last 3 or 4 years, and he has been a great role model for me in the process. So, these are just three examples of survivors who I would suggest to everyone are really heroic in their behaviors.”   I believe it is crucial to recognize those who are currently fighting, or have fought, cancer and are living with the designation, ‘Survivor’. As such, Senator President Pro Tempore Jake Corman and I will be introducing a resolution designating June 2021 as ‘Cancer Survivors Recognition Month’ in Pennsylvania once again. The intent, as before, is to honor all cancer survivors for the strength and the courage with which they have fought their battle. According to the National Cancer Institute, as of January 2019, there were an estimated 16.9 million cancer survivors in the United States. The number of cancer survivors is projected to increase to 22.2 million by 2030. Many cancer survivors, like myself, are deeply grateful to our caregivers, family, friends, and healthcare providers for the endless support we receive. “I know we all have stories of friends and family who fall under these categories. There is no cure for most of the current survivors of cancer, but to all survivors, I say thank you. You give those of us who are afflicted the strength to keep fighting on ourselves. Some of us will win the battle; sadly, many of us will not. All are heroes the same to me, and I pray for all of you. I ask my colleagues to support this resolution and honor the thousands of Pennsylvanians who are fighting and surviving cancer right now.” -Senator Dave Arnold

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