U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.) along with U.S. Representatives Susan W. Brooks (R-Ind.-05) and André Carson (D-Ind.-07), and the entire Indiana congressional delegation, today introduced a Stomach Cancer Awareness Month resolution in memory of Indy Star reporter and columnist Matthew Tully.
Stomach cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer worldwide and one of the most difficult to detect in its early stages. This year, more than 26,000 cases of stomach cancer were diagnosed in the United States. Roughly 40 percent of these Americans will lose their battle with the disease.
Tully was one of nearly 11,000 Americans who died from stomach cancer this year. He first wrote about his diagnosis in October 2016. He died on October 29, 2018, and is survived by his wife, Valerie, and son, Reid.
“Matt’s death was an enormous loss for Central Indiana,” said Senator Young. “He used his column to shine a light on local problems and the people working to solve them. The least we can do is honor his memory by shining a light on this devastating disease.”
“Matt challenged us all to be more thoughtful and compassionate toward our fellow Hoosiers,” said Senator Donnelly. “His work helped put a spotlight on some of the biggest issues facing Indianapolis and our state, making his readers think critically about how to move our community forward. This resolution honors Matt, the thousands of people we lose every year to this disease, and those bravely fighting it every day.”
“According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that over 26,200 cases of stomach cancer across the country will be diagnosed by the end of the year and about 10,800 people in the United States will lose their lives to this disease by the end of 2018. Matt Tully, a columnist for the Indy Star who was admired by many for his strong voice in the community and his ability to tell stories with heart, is one of those 10,800 people who will be missed by their loved-ones because their lives were cut short by stomach cancer,” said Congresswoman Brooks. “I am proud to join my Hoosier colleagues to call for the month of November to be recognized nation-wide as Stomach Cancer Awareness Month in honor of the thousands of Americans across the country whose lives are forever changed because of this devastating disease.”
“Losing Indy Star columnist Matt Tully at such young age was a tragedy for his family and our community, ”said Congressman Carson. “Sadly, tragedies like this are being felt around the world. Stomach cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer worldwide. In 2018 alone over 10,500 Americans will lose their lives to this cruel disease, including hundreds of Hoosiers, like Matt Tully. I’m pleased to join the Indiana delegation in recognizing the need for public awareness, education and research funding to support better treatment, detection, and cures.”
The resolution expresses support for the goals and ideas of Stomach Cancer Awareness Month. This includes supporting more education for patients and health care providers and more research into effective early diagnosis, screening, and treatment.
The complete text of the bill can be found here.
