HOUSE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING MAY OF 2025, AS "BRAIN CANCER AND TUMOR AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mia Ackerman and 9 co-sponsors

Declares May 2025 as Brain Cancer and Tumor Awareness Month in Rhode Island; promotes awareness, research support, and aid for patients and families; ceremonial only.

05/27/2025 House read and passed

Overview

Bill: HR 6367

Title: HOUSE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING MAY OF 2025, AS "BRAIN CANCER AND TUMOR AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Type: Resolution (ceremonial), not a statute

Introduced: May 27, 2025

Status: House read and passed on May 27, 2025

Sponsors: Representatives Tanzi, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Fogarty, Felix, Ackerman, Ajello, Shallcross Smith, Cortvriend

Next step: Not specified in the text; as a resolution, typically requires Senate action or acknowledgment, depending on state process

Purpose and Intent

To commemorate May 2025 as “Brain Cancer and Tumor Awareness Month” in Rhode Island.

To promote awareness, understanding, and support for brain cancer and brain tumor research, treatment, and patients and families affected by the disease.

To encourage Rhode Islanders to recognize the importance of research funding and community support for those facing brain tumors.

Key Provisions and Provisions in the Text

Recitals (WHEREAS clauses) establish context on the impact of brain tumors and the need for awareness and research, including:

Brain tumors affect individuals of all ages and significantly impact quality of life for patients and families.
Brain tumors are the most common solid cancer in people under 19 and a leading cause of cancer-related death among children and adolescents.
In Rhode Island, about 200 residents are diagnosed with a brain tumor each year.
About 72% of brain tumors are benign; 28% are malignant; both types require treatment to prevent brain injury.
Primary malignant brain tumors are rare in the U.S., with approximately 25,400 cases diagnosed annually; many brain tumors are secondary (metastatic) tumors.

Operative clause:

The Rhode Island House commends May 2025 as “Brain Cancer and Tumor Awareness Month.”
The House urges Rhode Islanders to understand the importance of research, funding, and support for those fighting brain cancer and tumors.

Administrative provision:

The Secretary of State is authorized and directed to transmit certified copies of the resolution to the Rhode Island Brain and Spine Tumor Foundation and the American Brain Tumor Association.

Who/What Is Affected

General public in Rhode Island (awareness-raising audience).

Brain tumor patients and their families and caregivers (indirect beneficiaries through heightened awareness and support).

Rhode Island Brain and Spine Tumor Foundation and the American Brain Tumor Association (designated recipients of certified copies).

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

This is a ceremonial resolution, not a law or appropriations bill, so it does not create or alter state programs or funding.

It signals legislative support and encourages public awareness and collaboration with related organizations.

If mirrored in the Senate or subsequent sessions, it could formalize recognition across the General Assembly.

Context and Impact

The resolution aligns Rhode Island with national awareness efforts to highlight brain tumor research, patient support, and medical education.

By naming a dedicated awareness month and directing copies to advocacy groups, it may bolster local and statewide fundraising, awareness events, and partnership opportunities.

Bill