|
The state House of Representatives approved Rep. Larry Curry's, D-154,
resolution designating April as Neuroblastoma Month in memory of Susanna DeLaurentis of Elkins Park and all victims of the disease.
The House unanimously approved the measure, which was inspired by Susanna,
who died of cancer at age 10 after spending nearly half her life receiving experimental treatments. Her father, Michael DeLaurentis, was present during the vote and was recognized for his commitment to finding a
cure for the disease.
Curry has been working with Michael DeLaurentis and his wife, Shelley,
to raise money through the Susanna DeLaurentis Charitable Foundation. The resolution was a result of their collaborative efforts to increase awareness of the disease and to promote sensitivity for those struggling
with chronic illness or comparable impediments.
"It was a privilege to introduce this resolution in the House of
Representatives in honor of a young lady who fought so hard, and with so much courage, to overcome this horrible disease," Curry said in a release. "Susanna made a profound and lasting impression on
everyone who came to know her. Her grace and charm in the face of so much adversity continues as an inspiration for us today."
Neuroblastoma is a cancer of the sympathetic nervous system, which is
extremely malignant and treatment-resistant. Cancer is the leading cause of death by illness among children under 15, and claimed the lives of 1,500 U.S. children in 2001.
Susanna was diagnosed at age 2 and was not expected to survive the eight
months of aggressive treatment. She recovered from the treatments and was symptom-free for five years, before falling ill again at age 8. She underwent another series of treatments, but relapsed and died in 1999.
The Susanna DeLaurentis Charitable Foundation was established to support
research into the causes and treatment of neuroblastoma and cystic fibrosis, which Susanna's sister, Lucy, age 19, has. The foundation also awards scholarships to students who excel despite extraordinary
personal adversity. It also recognizes students who demonstrate sensitivity to their peers with special needs.
Curry and DeLaurentis chose April because it is the month leading up to the
foundation's annual fund-raising event, the Susanna DeLaurentis Celebration and Walkathon. This year it will be held from noon to 4 p.m. May 1 at Elkins Park School, 8149.New Second St., Elkins Park.
|
