4576186 ACR 20-106, "Natalie Williams Breast Care Awareness Day for Women of Color Recognition Resolution of 2013"

A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION

 

20-106 

 

IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

 

September 17, 2013

 

To declare October 2, 2013, as “Natalie Williams Breast Care Awareness Day for

Women of Color” in the District of Columbia.

 

 

            WHEREAS, on July 20, 2012, Natalie Williams, an African American woman residing in Southeast Washington D.C., was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer, and on October 2, 2012 underwent a double mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy and radiation in an effort to combat the disease; 

 

WHEREAS, on January 31, 2013, the Natalie Williams Breast Care Foundation was founded to promote breast care awareness among women of color and to raise the awareness about the risk factors of breast cancer, and the importance of early detection; 

 

WHEREAS, October 2013 is the nationally recognized Breast Cancer Awareness month;

 

WHEREAS, one in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, but African American and Latina women are dying in disproportionate numbers because of the barriers they face while fighting the diseases;

 

WHEREAS, because the problem of breast cancer is partially due to one’s socio-economic status, these women are less like to get a regular mammogram once they turn 40 and are diagnosed at a later stage;

  

WHEREAS, less research and educational resources have been dedicated to higher mortality rates for African Americans; and

 

WHEREAS, screenings for more than 1,000 women of color, educational materials, and giveaways will be available throughout the month at special events and at the United Medical Center to help educate women of color about breast care.

 

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as “Natalie Williams Breast Care Awareness Day for Women of Color Recognition Resolution of 2013”. 

 

Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes the importance of breast care, and calls upon the residents of this great city to make an effort to familiarize themselves with the risk factors associated with having breast cancer and take the necessary measures to help prevent this deadly disease from affecting their lives.

 

Sec. 3.  This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in the District of Columbia Register.