RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF OCTOBER 20, 2022
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RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners acknowledging National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Honoring Breast Cancer Survivors
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WHEREAS, breast cancer is defined as the growth of abnormal cells that originate in the breast tissue of the body. Once the development of the abnormal cells progresses into a tumor, the cells then proceed to invade the healthy cells in the breast and can spread throughout the body, causing metastasis of the cancer; and
WHEREAS, beginning in 1985, October became recognized as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month as a way to encourage women to be cognizant of their health and to get yearly exams, including mammograms. Since that time, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month has become an annual worldwide campaign to educate people, particularly women, regarding the disease and raise financial support for research to develop more effective treatments; and
WHEREAS, while there is no known cure for breast cancer, research has led to the creation of numerous innovative testing methods and antibody treatments that not only lead to better detection but also enable women diagnosed with breast cancer to live longer, healthier lives; and
WHEREAS, in the United States, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. For many, the disease is genetic. For most, there is no known cause. Breast cancer is an unfortunate, unpredictable, and life-changing diagnosis. Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis for women in the United States and the second leading cause of death. The rate of diagnosis for breast cancer increases .5% each year; and
WHEREAS, although generally recognized as being a disease that affects women, it is a little-known fact that men are also diagnosed with breast cancer. In 2022, approximately 2,710 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 530 men will die from the disease; and
WHEREAS, while breast cancer is most often diagnosed in women aged 50 and older, it does not discriminate. Approximately 11% of the women currently diagnosed with breast cancer are under the age of 45 and that number is continuing to rise; and
WHEREAS, while the incidence rate of breast cancer has been on the rise, so too is the survival rate. It is estimated that each year since 2013, the survival rate has increased by 1%. This is attributed to early detection, increased awareness, and advances in treatment options; and
WHEREAS, every 2 minutes, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States. It is estimated that in 2022, approximately 338,900 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 43,550 women will perish from it. There are currently more than 3.8 million breast cancer survivors living in the United States; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago is proud to honor everyone that has been afflicted with this illness; and
WHEREAS, Vice President Barbara McGowan, herself a breast cancer survivor, along with the full Board of Commissioners humbly honors and acknowledges all past and current employees that have bravely battled breast cancer; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and our staff, do hereby acknowledge National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and honor breast cancer survivors; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.
Dated: October 20, 2022