Davisson: Local legislators wear sneakers to support cancer awareness

Davisson: Local legislators wear sneakers to support cancer awareness

Posted by: Nick Seifer  | Wednesday, March 8, 2017 10:00 am

STATEHOUSE (March 8, 2017) – Area lawmakers laced up their sneakers with their suits this week at the Statehouse to help raise cancer awareness.

State Reps. Steve Davisson (R-Salem), Lloyd Arnold (R-Leavenworth), Karen Engleman (R-Georgetown), Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) and Chris May (R-Bedford) participated in the annual event. The Suits and Sneakers challenge is an event sponsored by the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches to help raise cancer awareness and support those affected by the disease.

“Over 32,000 Hoosiers are diagnosed with cancer annually,” Davisson said. “Suits and Sneakers day provides an opportunity for lawmakers to show our support for those individuals and their families affected by this terrible disease.”

“Welcoming the American Cancer Society to the Statehouse is a great way to show support for cancer research and awareness,” said State Rep. Lloyd Arnold. “It seems like we all know someone who has been touched by this terrible disease and this day serves as a reminder to do all we can to support Hoosier cancer patients, spread the word about prevention and work together toward a cure.”

Area legislators said participating in Suits and Sneakers is a Statehouse tradition that members look forward to every year.

“Almost 2.4 million Hoosiers, or two out of every five people living in Indiana, will develop cancer in their lifetime,” Lucas said. “Hoosiers struggling with this disease should know they are not alone in their fight and this is a small way we can show our support.”

“As a new lawmaker, I’m excited to wear my sneakers for the first time on Suits and Sneakers day,” Engleman said. “Many families in our community have felt the impact of cancer and this effort shows that we stand with them in support.”

“This event is an opportunity to remind people about steps they can take to reduce their risk of cancer,” May said. “By eating correctly, exercising, making healthy lifestyle choices and following the American Cancer Society’s recommended cancer screening guidelines, Hoosiers can help raise awareness and fight the risk of cancer at the same time.”

Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the U.S. – exceeded only by heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Visit www.cancer.org for more information on how to help spread awareness and fight back against cancer.

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Rep. Steve Davisson represents Washington County and parts of Orange, Lawrence, Jackson, Clark and Harrison counties. 

A high-resolution photo of Davisson can be downloaded by clicking here 

State Rep. Karen Engleman (R-Corydon) represents House District 70, which includes portions of Clark, Floyd and Harrison counties. 

A high-resolution photo of Engleman can be downloaded by clicking here. 

State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) represents portions of Bartholomew,

Jackson, Jennings and Jefferson counties. 

A high-resolution photo of Lucas can be downloaded by clicking here. 

State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford) represents House District 65, which includes all of Brown County, most of Lawrence County and parts of Monroe, Jackson and Johnson counties.

A high-resolution photo of May can be downloaded by clicking here.