Tennessee did it again... :(

Approval denied to recognize November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month. :(
I want to cry!!

I am really distraught about this. The reason given was because of the number of proclamations they receive and the process they use to determine approval. I don't understand.

I am starting a petition in our state and hoping to get 1000 signatures by the end of the month.

Here is the petition...please give me feedback!!

This is a request for Governor Bredeson and the Director of Community Affairs of the State of Tennessee to proclaim November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month. The initial approval was denied due to the number of proclamation request received. However, lung cancer kills more people than breast, prostate, colon, liver, kidney, and melanoma cancers combined making it the nation's #1 cancer killer. With Tennessee ranking fourth in national lung cancer mortality rates, it is time this disease becomes a priority in our state. This is an important first step in increasing awareness of lung cancer and showing support for those dealing with the disease. Please sign our petition in support of making November Lung Cancer Awareness Month in the State of Tennessee.

I want to have this finished by tomorrow to begin signatures on Tuesday...

Thanks friends!
Jamie

By hopefuldaughter
Posted October 5, 2008 at 11:40 pm

It sounds really good to me. I'm sorry that it wasn't passed. If you don't get it done this year, you should aim to get 10000 signatures in time for next year!

By jgaynor711
Posted October 6, 2008 at 7:17 am

J-Me,

I have a friend in Nashville, so please let me know when the petition is up and running so I can send it to her (and hopefully get her friends to send it around too!)

Best,
Julia

By ValS
Posted October 6, 2008 at 12:40 pm

Hi Jamie,

In your third line the word "request" should be plural. I would add a sentence something to the effect that Tennesee should join other states recognizing November LC Awareness Month. I don't know which ones have or I would list them for you here. When you refer to other states that are already doing it, it doesn't seem like this would be something that's odd or not done.

I think that the reputation of lung cancer as a deadly disease actually reduces general support for its funding and research because people are afraid of it, don't want to hear about it, and generally are uninformed and in denial. Especially the fact that it is getting nonsmokers like us. Nothing is easy is it? You are to be commended for your persistence.

Valerie

By robinwd
Posted October 6, 2008 at 1:24 pm

I think that I would submit the denial to every newspaper in the state. Is your governor up for reelection? You can always use that angle w/ the media if he is.
I have been waiting for about 6 weeks to hear from WV governor to see if he is going to issue the proclamation. If he turns it down, this is how I will proceed.

By stephanie410
Posted October 6, 2008 at 3:03 pm

Do you have a list of the things they DO recognize? That would be my question. Are they consistent? If they are serious about limiting recognitions, then all health issues should be off the list.

Good work on your part to push the issue! These kinds of boulders in our path just make us stronger! You may end up with more publicity than the recognition would have mustered on its own!

--Steph

By D1
Posted October 6, 2008 at 11:16 pm

Hi, Jamie,
I think your petition sounds good. It's really not fair when they have a Breast Cancer month. It sends a mixed message that LC does not matter.

BTW, Harry got his results today....NED.....22 mos.

I am so joyful.

By Angie-in-SC
Posted October 7, 2008 at 10:15 pm

The excuse makes no sense to me.
I know that passing a bill is so much more work, but it is something else that you could possibly work on - as well as get some press/attention.
I have a copy of Susan Levin's "Laymen’s Guide to the Legislative Process - Getting a Bill Passed"

She was successful in getting SJR32, a bill making every November Lung Cancer Awareness Month in the State of New Jersey (from November, 2004 until forever).
Every state can do it too –using her guide.

Email me at: abderrick@att.net
and I'll send you a copy. This is for everyone!

God bless us all!

By meadowbreeze
Posted October 8, 2008 at 6:17 am

Jamie

All I can say is that is so sad. How ignorant is this Governor? I can answer my own question, he is beyond ignorant.

So sorry Jamie

GOD BLESS,
linda

By missingmom
Posted October 8, 2008 at 11:19 am

Hi Jamie,

I live right outside of TN but my mother lived in TN and so does the rest of my family. I dealt with her health care issues so I know how ignorant the State is on Lung Cancer issues. Please let me know where my family can sign this petition and how I can help get this accomplished.

By Shellygirl
Posted October 8, 2008 at 12:24 pm

I have relatives and friends in Knoxville, TN and would like to pass on the petition as soon as it is ready. Please forward it to me at Shellygirl531@aol.com along with the mailing address.
Thanks,
Diane

12 replies

Add to the discussion

Search

Join

Connect

You