SR 403: Taylor, Valerie; commend

Senate Resolution 403

By: Senators Jackson of the 41st, Goodman of the 8th, Merritt of the 9th, Mangham of the 55th, Rhett of the 33rd and others

A RESOLUTION

Commending Valerie Taylor; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Valerie Taylor has devoted herself to advocating for cancer patients and their families, drawing upon her own courageous battles with blood cancer and breast cancer to inspire and empower others in the relentless fight for equitable healthcare access and life-saving treatments; and

WHEREAS, Valerie's advocacy efforts began in earnest following her own diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in April 2018. After dedicating decades of her life as a nurse, she was released from her job while caring for her mother, who suffered from advanced dementia. As a result, she fell into Georgia's coverage gap and was left without the critical healthcare coverage she needed—unable to access the life-saving treatments essential for her survival. Throughout this challenging journey, her son, Teferi, has been a constant source of strength, supporting her both emotionally and in her advocacy efforts; and

WHEREAS, despite facing her own battles with cancer, including a diagnosis of breast cancer in 2023, Valerie has been a tireless and passionate advocate, helping to raise awareness about the crucial need to fully close the Medicaid coverage gap to protect patients like her who are at risk of not being able to access life-saving treatments due to financial barriers; and

WHEREAS, in 2022, Valerie was honored with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Advocacy Champion of the Year award, a testament to her selfless dedication to advancing the LLS mission and her commitment to policy change that benefits the millions of Americans without access to Medicaid; and

WHEREAS, through her relentless advocacy, including engaging in virtual meetings with lawmakers, her powerful story featured in The Leukemia & Lymphoma's annual report, having her story featured in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and her pivotal role in creating a compelling Medicaid Coverage Gap video, Valerie has amplified the voices of those in need, becoming a driving force in advancing the legislative agenda for improved and equitable access to care; and

WHEREAS, Valerie has also been an active member of LLS's Team in Training program, raising nearly $5,000 through a personal fundraiser and completing a 35-mile ride in America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride in Lake Tahoe, further supporting LLS's efforts to fund research and provide hope to patients; and

WHEREAS, Valerie continues to advocate for safer, more accessible treatments for all cancer patients and remains unwavering in her commitment to closing the healthcare coverage gap, ensuring that every Georgian has access to the life-saving care they need and deserve; and

WHEREAS, Valerie's unwavering courage and determination are an inspiration to all, and her work as The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Advocacy Leader for Georgia represents the heart of what it means to be a compassionate and dedicated advocate for cancer patients and their families; and

WHEREAS, Valerie's efforts have made a significant impact on improving the lives of cancer patients and will continue to be felt for years to come as her story and advocacy lead to meaningful policy changes and inspire others to stand up for those in need.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body commend Valerie Taylor for her outstanding contributions to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and to the broader cancer community, recognizing her as a fierce advocate, a survivor, and a hero who has made a lasting impact in the fight for better healthcare access and treatments for blood cancer patients in Georgia and across the country. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Valerie Taylor.