Senate Passes Sen. Kelly-Backed Bipartisan Resolution Designating Glioblastoma Awareness Day in Honor of Senator McCain

The United States Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution backed by Arizona Senator Mark Kelly designating July 21, 2021 as Glioblastoma Awareness Day in honor of Arizona Senator John McCain, who passed away from glioblastoma almost three years ago, and the more than 10,000 Americans who die from this disease every year. Kelly, who is serving out the remainder of the late Senator John McCain’s term, joined Senators Sinema, Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts), Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts), Chris Coons (D-Delaware), and Marco Rubio (R-Florida) in introducing this resolution. The resolution works to increase awareness of this common and aggressive type of brain cancer and support continued investments into research and treatments.

“Glioblastoma is a complex but common brain disease that has taken the lives of far too many Arizonans, including the life of Senator John McCain. In honor of him, the McCain family, and the many families who have lost a loved one too soon to glioblastoma, I am proud to support this resolution to shine an important light on the steps we can take to treat and ultimately defeat this disease,” said Senator Mark Kelly.

The resolution designating July 21, 2021 as Glioblastoma Awareness Day:

• Encourages increased public awareness of glioblastoma;
• Honors the individuals who have lost their lives to glioblastoma, a devastating disease, or are currently living with it; 
• Supports efforts to develop better treatments for glioblastoma that will improve the long term prognosis and quality of life of individuals diagnosed with the disease;
• Expresses support for the individuals who are battling brain tumors, as well as the families, friends, and caregivers of those individuals;
• Urges a collaborative approach to brain tumor research, which is a promising means of advancing the understanding and treatment of glioblastoma;
• And encourages continued investment in glioblastoma research and treatments, including through the Glioblastoma Therapeutics Network and other existing brain tumor research resources. 

A companion resolution was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives today by Representatives Brian Mast (R-Florida), Mike Gallagher (R-Wisconsin), Jan Schakowsky (D-Illinois), and Jim Langevin (D-Rhode Island).