Palmetto State News

U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Arizona), Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), and John Barrasso (R-Wyoming) have announced the passage of a Senate Resolution designating July 17, 2024, as Glioblastoma Awareness Day.

“Glioblastoma is an aggressive brain cancer, and I have seen three members of the Senate family, Ted Kennedy, Senator Barasso’s wife, Bobbi, and my dearest friend John McCain, lose their battle to it,” said Senator Graham. “This resolution honors my dear friends, all of those we have lost to glioblastoma and the strong individuals battling glioblastoma every day. It will create national awareness of this horrible disease and encourage medical professionals to work together to find a cure.”

Senator Sinema stated, “Glioblastoma Awareness Day honors Senator John McCain – my personal hero – and the thousands of Americans who have battled or continue to battle brain cancers, and their caregivers. We’ll continue strengthening efforts to find a cure and develop new treatments for this disease and other brain cancers.”

“Glioblastoma remains a devastating disease that has taken the lives of far too many Arizonans, including Senator John McCain," added Senator Kelly. "In honor of those we have lost and in support of the many families affected by this aggressive disease, I remain committed to advancing research and treatment options. With continued dedication and support, we can make significant steps in the fight against glioblastoma and bring renewed hope to patients and their loved ones."

Senator Barrasso shared his personal connection: “After losing my wife to this deadly disease, I know firsthand how this tragic diagnosis affects patients and their families. Raising awareness and supporting efforts to find a cure is a personal priority for me,” he said. “Our bipartisan resolution honors our Congressional commitment to supporting research that will find a cure for this deadly disease. I am proud to join this resolution to honor Bobbi Barrasso, our colleague John McCain, and all those who have lost their battles in the fight against glioblastoma.”

“I am happy to be working alongside Senators Sinema, T. Scott, Kelly, Van Hollen, Warnock, Rubio, Markey, Warren, Coons, and Barrasso. Together we are working to prevent those from suffering from this disease in the future and honoring those who have lost their battle with Glioblastoma,” concluded Graham.

The resolution is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland), Raphael Warnock (D-Georgia), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), Edward Markey (D-Massachusetts), Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) and Christopher Coons (D-Delaware).

The resolution:

- Designates July 17, 2024 as "Glioblastoma Awareness Day."

- Encourages increased public awareness of glioblastoma.

- Honors individuals who have died from or are currently living with glioblastoma.

- Supports efforts to develop better treatments for glioblastoma.

- Recognizes the importance of molecular biomarker testing for diagnosis and treatment.

- Expresses support for individuals battling brain tumors along with their families.

- Urges collaborative brain tumor research among various organizations.

- Encourages continued investments in glioblastoma research through existing resources like the Glioblastoma Therapeutics Network.