DeKalb Times

State Representative Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) has brought attention to an important issue by presenting House Resolution 368 in the Illinois House of Representatives. The resolution designates October 13 as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day in Illinois, aligning with October's national recognition as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Metastatic breast cancer is a stage of the disease where cancer cells spread to other parts of the body, making it more challenging to treat. This form of breast cancer has an average life expectancy of only 24 to 36 months. Representative Keicher emphasized the significance of raising awareness for metastatic breast cancer, stating, "By raising awareness, HR 368 signifies our commitment as a state to promoting continued research in the fight against metastatic breast cancer and, more importantly, to honor the strength and resilience of those who have suffered from this disease."

While Breast Cancer Awareness Month focuses primarily on early-stage breast cancer, metastatic breast cancer remains a grave concern. It claims the lives of 98 percent of patients who die from the disease. Representative Keicher was inspired to introduce HR 368 by a local Hampshire constituent, Lisa Mayer, who has been battling metastatic breast cancer for seven years. Mayer expressed her gratitude, saying, "Thank you to Rep. Jeff Keicher for bringing HR 368 forward in Springfield. This resolution brings awareness to metastatic breast cancer and the hope for so many of us with this incurable cancer."

Representative Keicher acknowledged Mayer's journey, describing it as one marked by courage, hope, and unwavering spirit. He hopes that the effort in the Illinois House of Representatives to raise awareness will serve as a source of hope for all those facing metastatic breast cancer.

For more information about HR 368, visit [link]. To watch the video of Rep. Keicher presenting the resolution on the House floor, click [link].

Representative Keicher represents the 70th District, encompassing portions of DeKalb, Kane, and McHenry Counties.

To find out more, go to this link: https://repkeicher.com/2023/10/30/rep-keicher-resolution-inspired-by-constituent-raises-awareness-for-metastatic-breast-cancer/