Resolution 170441

..Title Declaring May 2017 "Brain Tumor Awareness Month" and further recognizing Philadelphia resident Jennifer Pownall for her efforts to raise awareness about brain tumors. ..Body WHEREAS,Approximately 688,000 Americans of all ages, races, socio-economic status, and gender are currently living with and being treated for either a benign or malignant brain tumor; and WHEREAS, Malignant brain tumors are among the deadliest forms of cancer with just a 34 percent survival rate and are the leading cause of cancer related deaths in children under the age of 14; and WHEREAS, According data from 2014, 2,982 people in Pennsylvania, including 284 in Philadelphia, were diagnosed with cancerous brain tumors; and WHEREAS, Philadelphia is home to many major-medical facilities that contribute to cutting edge research to find better treatments, a cure for brain tumors, and a higher quality of life for brain tumor patients; and WHEREAS, Increased public awareness of brain tumors through advocacy and support for targeted research, as well as education about the impact brain tumors have on the lives of patients and their families, are critical to finding a cure; and WHEREAS, Healthcare professionals, medical researchers, caretakers, and patients alike are dedicated to improving the quality of life and treatment of individuals with brain tumors; and WHEREAS, Increased awareness and support for those effected by brain tumors throughout the City of Philadelphia, and across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is due in large part to the efforts by Jennifer Pownall, a Philadelphia resident who was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2014, and started awareness organizations such as "Rock Out Brain Tumors Air Guitar Challenge," and "Paws up for Brains Challenge"; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA, That the month of May 2017 be declared "Brain Tumor Awareness Month" in the City of Philadelphia. FURTHER RESOLVED, That the City Council of Philadelphia recognizes and honors Jennifer Pownall for her dedication, service, and advocacy for brain tumor awareness on behalf of Philadelphians, Pennsylvanians, and Americans who are living with and fighting the effects of brain tumors. FINALLY RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Jennifer Pownall as evidence of the sincere respect and mutual commitment to improving the lives of brain tumor patients. ..End