Second Call from the Governor's Office

Today I received a second call from Liz Ortiz, from Governor Chris Christie's office, about a possible proclamation for Neuroendocrine Cancer Awareness Day on November 10, 2011. She asked me to draft some language for the proclamation... below is my email and my proclamation attempt. Keep your fingers crossed!

From: Marlena Johnston
Sent: Friday, August 19, 2011 3:31 PM
To: Liz Ortiz
Subject: Proclamation Draft Language: Neuroendocrine Cancer Awareness Day (11/10/11)

Hi Liz,

Thank you so much for contacting me about the possibility of Governor Christie becoming the 17th governor to support the international initiative for increased awareness of neuroendocrine cancers (such as carcinoid). Presently, there is a global movement to recognize November 10th, 2011 as the second annual Worldwide Neuroendocrine Cancer Awareness Day (WNCAD), which you can learn more about at netcancerday.org.

After our conversation today, I looked at the proclamation language of the WNCAD initiative, as well as the proclamations for "NET Cancer Awareness Day" signed by governors Patrick (MA) and Bebe (LA), and crafted the below language for Governor Christie's approval. (Please note that the facts cited in the proclamation are agreed upon by the global NET community, and can be found at: http://netcancerday.org/resources/global-press-kit/.)

As I had mentioned in my earlier correspondence, I am a carcinoid cancer survivor, and a teacher at Paramus Catholic High School. Last year, our students gathered 792 signatures on 11/10/10 in support of the first ever WNCAD, and the students' efforts were featured in The Carcinoid Cancer Foundation's blog: https://carcinoid.wordpress.com/tag/paramus-catholic-high-school/.

The students of PC have already begun making plans to support the second annual WNCAD this November 10th, and the Governor's support would really mean a lot to them (and me). Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.

Thanks again!

Marlena Johnston, NJ Resident
(my cancer story: channelingjackieo.blogspot.com)

Proclamation

Whereas Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) often develop into cancer, including carcinoid cancer, that if left untreated can result in serious illness and death; and

Whereas According to the Carcinoid Cancer Foundation, Inc., approximately 11,000 people are diagnosed with carcinoid / NET cancers each year in the United States, including citizens from New Jersey; and

Whereas Over 90% of all NET patients are incorrectly diagnosed or initially treated for the wrong disease; and

Whereas From the initial onset of symptoms, the average time to proper diagnosis of NETs and related cancers exceeds five years; and

Whereas Through timely diagnosis and proper treatment, NET cancer patients can have significantly improved outcomes and quality of life;

Now, Therefore, I, Chris Christie, Governor of New Jersey, do hereby proclaim November 10, 2011 to be:

Neuroendocrine Cancer Awareness Day

Across the State, and I encourage patients, caregivers, health-care professionals, as well as the wider community, to join together to raise awareness about carcinoid / NET cancers, and the need for timely diagnosis and access to optimal treatment and care.