May 13 2021

Glioblastoma Resolution Passes in Senate, Introduced in House

WASHINGTON – A resolution designating July 21, 2021 as Glioblastoma Awareness Day has passed the Senate unanimously.

The resolution was introduced by Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Arizona), Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts), Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts), Chris Coons (D-Delaware), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), and Raphael Warnock (D-Georgia).

A companion resolution was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives today by Representatives Brian Mast (R-Florida), Mike Gallagher (R-Wisconsin), Jan Schakowsky (D-Illinois), and Jim Langevin (D-Rhode Island).

“Glioblastoma is a devastating brain disease that has taken the lives of two of my very close friends and colleagues, Ted Kennedy and my dearest friend John McCain,” said Sen. Graham. “To honor their lives and the lives of those currently battling glioblastoma, this resolution shines a light on this terrible disease and urges collaboration between brain tumor researchers so we can eradicate this cancer. I want to thank my Senate cosponsors, Senators Sinema, Kelly, Coons, Warren, Markey, Rubio, and Warnock. We are committed to combating and defeating this terrible disease.”

“John McCain serves as a constant inspiration to me and so many Arizonans,” Sen. Sinema said. “Our resolution honors him and other Americans battling this disease, and urges the nation to advance new treatments for glioblastoma and all brain cancers.”

“Glioblastoma is a complex but common brain disease that has taken the lives of far too many Arizonans, including the life of Senator John McCain,” said Sen. Kelly. “In honor of him, the McCain family, and the many families who have lost a loved one too soon to glioblastoma, I am proud to support this resolution to shine an important light on the steps we can take to treat and ultimately defeat this disease.”

“Each year, over 13,000 Americans are diagnosed with glioblastoma, a tragic brain cancer with an average survival of just 12 to 18 months,” said Sen. Coons. “I am proud to introduce this resolution with my colleagues to raise public awareness of glioblastoma, which has taken the lives of my friends Beau Biden, John McCain, Ted Kennedy, and so many others. We must honor those who have lost their lives to this disease and redouble our commitment to finding a cure.”

“Glioblastoma is the most common form of brain or nervous system cancer that results in more than 240,000 deaths around the world every year,” said Sen. Markey. “Far too many Americans die from this debilitating disease, and Massachusetts knows all too well just how devastating it can be. This resolution underscores the need to bolster research for innovative therapies for brain cancers; we must continue working to support critical medical research.”

“Glioblastoma is a terrible disease that has impacted the lives of so many in our community. This resolution is about giving hope to every individual who is fighting this disease and honoring the lives of those we’ve lost at its hands,” Rep. Mast said. “By raising awareness of this disease, I’m hopeful that we will continue finding new ways to treat Glioblastoma and ultimately find a cure.”

"Glioblastoma is a horrible disease that takes the lives of thousands of Americans each year," said Rep. Gallagher. "Although no early detection methods exist, breakthroughs in treatments and surgeries – including right here in Northeast Wisconsin – are a cause for hope to the patients and families of those who are living with this disease. This resolution is no cure, but it's an important bipartisan step in raising awareness and supporting those affected by glioblastoma."

“Thousands of Americans are diagnosed each year with glioblastoma, a very aggressive and fatal brain cancer, including a dear friend of mine and the father of one of my staff members. Tragically, this is a cancer for which there are no early screening or detection methods,” Rep. Schakowsky said. “The first step to conquering brain tumors is to promote more awareness that can advance a cure. This horrible, deadly cancer has affected many everyday Americans and even some of our colleagues and their families, including President Biden’s son, Beau. Our bipartisan and bicameral resolution will increase awareness of this disease and support collaborative research efforts to better understand and treat glioblastoma, or GBM.”

“Glioblastoma is a horrific disease that tragically impacts far too many Rhode Island families each year,” said Rep. Langevin. “As we strive to develop better treatments, I’m hopeful that brain tumor researchers will continue to expand their collaborative efforts, so we can defeat this ugly disease once and for all.”

The resolution:

  • Designates July 21, 2021 as Glioblastoma Awareness Day
  • Encourages increased public awareness of glioblastoma
  • Honors the individuals who have lost their lives to glioblastoma, a devastating disease, or are currently living with it
  • Supports efforts to develop better treatments for glioblastoma that will improve the long term prognosis and quality of life of individuals diagnosed with the disease
  • Expresses its support for the individuals who are battling brain tumors, as well as the families, friends, and caregivers of those individuals
  • Urges a collaborative approach to brain tumor research, which is a promising means of advancing the understanding and treatment of glioblastoma
  • Encourages continued investment in glioblastoma research and treatments, including through the Glioblastoma Therapeutics Network and other existing brain tumor research resources

“On behalf of the National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS) and glioblastoma (GBM) patients, family members, caregivers, and loved ones, thank you to this bipartisan, bicameral group of Congressional champions for again prioritizing the need to raise awareness for the devastating nature of a GBM diagnosis and the imperative for continued investments in and attention to research of this deadly disease,” said David Arons, CEO of the National Brain Tumor Society. “Their dedication to establishing an annual Day of Awareness has already yielded tangible progress in educating, informing, and enlightening the public and policymakers alike and supported increased investments in research and innovation. We urge both chambers to recognize Glioblastoma Awareness Day again in 2021 resolutions and join us on July 21 as we remember those who are no longer with us, to support survivors and their loved ones, and to honor luminaries working toward a cure and better quality of life for those who are living with this devastating disease.”

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