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S. R. No. 83 *SS36/R1619* ~ OFFICIAL ~ N1/2
26/SS36/R1619
PAGE 1 (rdd\kr)
To: Rules
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE REGULAR SESSION 2026
By: Senator(s) Michel
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 83
A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING MAY 28, 2026, AS "BLOOD CANCER 1
AWARENESS DAY" IN MISSISSIPPI. 2
WHEREAS, blood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, and 3
myeloma are among the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the 4
United States, with someone diagnosed approximately every three 5
minutes; and 6
WHEREAS, more than 1.3 million Americans are currently living 7
with or are in remission from a blood cancer, and these diseases 8
collectively account for approximately ten percent of all new 9
cancer diagnoses nationwide each year; and 10
WHEREAS, blood cancer diagnoses affect individuals of all 11
ages, geographic regions, and socioeconomic backgrounds, including 12
residents across the State of Mississippi; and 13
WHEREAS, treatment for blood cancers often involves long-term 14
therapy, repeated hospital visits, and ongoing medical monitoring, 15
and many of these treatments are among the most expensive cancer 16
therapies, creating significant financial hardship for patients 17
and their families; and 18
S. R. No. 83 *SS36/R1619* ~ OFFICIAL ~
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WHEREAS, financial strain is a documented barrier to 19
treatment adherence and recovery, and patients frequently require 20
assistance not only for medical expenses, but also for 21
transportation, housing, and basic living needs during treatment; 22
and 23
WHEREAS, Blood Cancer United is a national nonprofit 24
organization dedicated to accelerating blood cancer research while 25
improving the quality of life for patients and families, having 26
invested more than $2 billion in blood cancer research that has 27
led to major advances in targeted therapies and immunotherapies; 28
and 29
WHEREAS, research supported by Blood Cancer United emphasizes 30
early diagnosis, equitable access to care, sustained treatment 31
support, and improved patient outcomes; and 32
WHEREAS, public awareness of blood cancer symptoms and risks 33
remains low, contributing to delayed diagnosis, while increased 34
awareness leads to earlier detection, improved survival rates, and 35
stronger patient and community support systems; and 36
WHEREAS, during fiscal year 2025, Blood Cancer United served 37
more than 600 patients and caregivers in Mississippi, providing 38
303 co-pay assistance awards totaling $1,354,600.00 and 300 39
patient financial assistance awards totaling $99,600.00 to help 40
with non-medical expenses; and 41
WHEREAS, nearly half of Mississippi patients receiving 42
financial assistance from Blood Cancer United report annual 43
S. R. No. 83 *SS36/R1619* ~ OFFICIAL ~
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ST: Recognize "Blood Cancer Awareness Day" in
Mississippi.
household incomes of $40,000.00 or less, underscoring the critical 44
need for continued support and resources; and 45
WHEREAS, Mississippi is home to a PedAL Pediatric Acute 46
Leukemia Master Trial, serving as a clinical trial screening site 47
at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, expanding access 48
to cutting-edge precision medicine research for children and young 49
adults diagnosed with acute leukemia: 50
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF 51
MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize May 28, 2026, as "Blood 52
Cancer Awareness Day" in the State of Mississippi, and encourage 53
all citizens, communities, healthcare providers, and organizations 54
to observe this day by increasing awareness, supporting patients 55
and families, and promoting continued investment in research, 56
early diagnosis, and access to life-saving care. 57
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be transmitted 58
to the Mississippi State Board of Health and be made available to 59
the Capitol Press Corps. 60