Bill Text: NY K00717 | 2023-2024 | General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Commending the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester upon the occasion of celebrating its 25th Anniversary in July of 2023
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 4-1)
Status: (Passed) 2023-06-09 - adopted [K00717 Detail]
Download: New_York-2023-K00717-Introduced.html
Assembly Resolution No. 717 BY: M. of A. Bronson COMMENDING the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester upon the occasion of celebrating its 25th Anniversary in July of 2023 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the quality and character of life in the communities across New York State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its citizenry; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester upon the occasion of its 25th Anniversary in July of 2023; and WHEREAS, For 25 years, the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester has served the community and those touched by breast or gynecologic cancer to empower informed decision-making through education, support, research, and advocacy; and WHEREAS, All programs and services are free of charge for those struggling with these specific cancers and the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester continually funds research; they follow their Coalition Pillar of prioritized research areas, including: cause, prevention, prevention of metastasis, and cure; and WHEREAS, Formally organizing as a not-for-profit organization in 1997, the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester began humbly with 13 breast cancer survivors meeting at the home of Sylvia Cappellino; in January of 1998, the organization officially received their IRS Determination letter and the Board of Directors met for the first time; and WHEREAS, In 2000, the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester opened their first office in the heart of Rochester, on Park Avenue; shortly after its opening, Holly Anderson began her tenure as the Executive Director of the Coalition; and WHEREAS, The Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester's first annual walk and run was held on Mother's Day in 2002; at first called Heart and Sole, the event was re-named the Pink Ribbon Walk and Run in 2004 to become the Coalition's signature event throughout the years; and WHEREAS, Upon moving to University Avenue, the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester's Breast Cancer Research Initiative awarded its first $25,000 grant to Mesut Muyan, PhD, a University of Rochester researcher; and WHEREAS, The first annual Terri Schmitt Legislative Reception was held in September of 2003, to recognize the importance of collaborating with Legislators on matters that make a difference for cancer survivors, laying a strong foundation for the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester's Advocacy Committee; in 2004, the first annual Cindy Dertinger Advanced Breast Cancer Seminar: Tools for the Journey was held, addressing Metastatic Disease; and WHEREAS, A landmark victory for Coalition Advocates, in March of 2005, the 48-hour Neighbor Notification Law in Monroe County was passed; the Law requires prior written notification to the owners of adjacent properties before commercially sprayed pesticide applications; and WHEREAS, As a way to improve the lives of patients, the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester began holding yoga classes in 2005, later more evidence-based movement programs were established such as Qi Gong, Tai Chi, Reiki, Feldenkrais, Pilates, Fluid Motion, and Mindfulness; another way patients can find some relief is through support groups, the Coalition's Young Survivor Gatherings is a networking group for young breast cancer survivors; and WHEREAS, Originally an informal program, the Peer Advocates Lending Support (PALS) Program is a training session for peer mentors; this program occurs annually and there are over 200 PALS matches a year; and WHEREAS, In 2009, the Advisory Council was formed to collaborate with community experts who possessed specific knowledge and skills; the Coalition became active in the community, they made a substantial financial contribution to the installation of a mammography unit to the Anthony Jordan Health Center and advocated for the passage of New York's medical marijuana bill to allow cancer survivors access to a botanical remedy to alleviate pain; and WHEREAS, After holding a series of focus groups, the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester opened its support programs to gynecologic cancer survivors in January of 2014; and WHEREAS, Serving 27 counties today, the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester expanded their reach in 2016 to further serve the community; also this year, they moved facilities again to their current location at University Avenue; and WHEREAS, The Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester has high ethical standards and always strive to better their organization; in 2018, they were selected as the recipient of the Ethie Award by the Rochester Area Business Ethics Foundation; and WHEREAS, Remaining open throughout the Covid-19 Pandemic, the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester truly cares about breast and gynecologic cancer survivors and has surpassed $1 million in the provision of funding and regional researchers since the program's inception; and WHEREAS, This year, the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester has taken the pink color of the ribbon for their annual Pink Ribbon Walk and Run, and has combined it with teal in support of gynecologic cancer survivors; and WHEREAS, The success of the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester is in direct correlation to the efforts of its staff, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the institution and the community it serves; and WHEREAS, In so effectively carrying out its mission, the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester has demonstrated the value of continuing the fight against breast cancer; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester upon the occasion of celebrating its 25th Anniversary in July of 2023; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester.