HomeMy WebLinkAbout25-117 RESOLUTION NO. 25-117
A RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF MAY 2025 AS
"BRAIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH" IN ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA
WHEREAS,the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida, has made the following
determinations:
1.Brain tumors impact not only the individual diagnosed, but the entire family. Survival rates for brain tumor
patients will depend on many factors including location of the tumor, age at the time of diagnosis, and type
of tumor.The most aggressive form of brain cancer,Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant brain
tumor, accounting for approximately 50% of all primary malignant brain tumors, and has no cure. There are
many children questioning if they will be the one to beat this disease, and many mothers, fathers,
grandparents, brothers, and sisters, leaving behind their loved ones.
2.Brain tumors can occur at any age and those that don't lose their lives are still impacted by loss of memory, sight,
balance,coordination,taste, hearing, and the ability to drive,work, or go to school.
3.Despite the number of people diagnosed each year with a brain tumor, only a few treatments have been approved
for malignant tumors in addition to surgery and radiation.There are less than 30 FDA-approved drugs and devices
to treat over 120 different types of primary brain tumors. While brain cancer incidence rates have decreased and
mortality rates have remained stable in the United States,the 5-year survival remains low at 36%.
4.According to the National Brain Tumor Society, approximately 7,309 people in Florida will be diagnosed with a
primary brain tumor in 2025.It is estimated that 5,420 of those cases will be malignant.Approximately 1,280 people
from Florida die annually due to a brain or other central nervous system tumor.
5.Brain tumors are the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related deaths in adults aged 20-39 and the leading cause of
cancer-related deaths in children 19 and under in the United States. In Florida, an estimated 322 children and
adolescents, 19 and younger,are diagnosed each year.There has never been a treatment developed and approved
specifically for pediatric brain tumors.
6.We salute the victims of brain tumors who continue to demonstrate great determination,adaptability,and courage
in their efforts to live their best lives with this disease, and we pay tribute to those promoting awareness of brain
tumors such as the B.R.A.I.N. (Bringing Resources and Information Now) Cancer Foundation of the Treasure Coast,
#Beauty4Brains, Hope in Gray, and the Tori Rose Foundation, as well as those working to improve treatment,
advocate for victims, and provide support. Hope in Gray was founded here on the Treasure Coast, to be a
support to these families.
7.We recognize 13-year-old Kendal Cunningham,who lost her father,Mark Cunningham,to GBM,and who continues
to be a fierce advocate for brain cancer awareness through her platform, Beauty4Brains. Kendal participated in four
5K events in 2025, traveled to Tallahassee, interned at the Capitol during the first week of April to advocate for
brain cancer, and also participated in the National Brain Tumor Society Head to the Hill and Race for Hope in May
2025. Her unwavering determination and powerful voice exemplify the very best of youth leadership, purpose,and
passion in the fight against brain cancer.
NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida that
this Board does hereby proclaim the month of May 2025 as "Brain Cancer Awareness Month" in St. Lucie County,
Florida.
PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED this 20th day of May 2025.
A ST: BOARD OF COUNT&COMMISSIONERS
STD\ CIE COUNT , ` ORIDA
EPUTY CLERK �� ' •,--_ `• • CHAIR
— �. r
APPRO ED AS TO FORM -ORRECTNESS:
ASSISTANT COUNTY ATTORNEY