Area lawmakers laced up their sneakers with their suits today at the Statehouse to help raise cancer awareness.
State Reps. Greg Beumer (R-Modoc), Martin Carbaugh (R-Fort Wayne), Dave Heine (R-New Haven), Christopher Judy (R-Fort Wayne), Matt Lehman (R-Berne), Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City), Bob Morris (R-Fort Wayne), Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) and Denny Zent (R-Angola) participated in the annual event. The Suits and Sneakers challenge is 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.
“The American Cancer Society organizes this event to not only help those impacted by this disease, but also promote healthy lifestyles to prevent cancer,” Beumer said. “I look forward to participating in the Suits and Sneakers day, and will continue to support measures to help eradicate this disease.”
“Cancer is one of those diseases that has affected everyone in some way, shape or form,” Carbaugh said. “It is important we are making progress in the fight against this disease, and promoting positive ways to improve your health is one major step in the right direction.”
“The American Cancer Society offers many programs and services that can improve the lives of those affected by cancer,” Heine said. “By not only increasing awareness and research against the fight against cancer but also supporting those who have been affected, we can help show people who are dealing with the disease that they are not alone.”
“Suits and Sneakers is an event in order to raise cancer awareness throughout the Hoosier state, which is a disease estimated to affect over 36,000 Hoosiers this year,” Judy said. “We can show support for cancer research by wearing our sneakers.”
“Many of our family members, friends and neighbors are impacted by cancer,” Lehman said. “This is an opportunity to show our support for those fighting for their lives while pushing for more research and promoting healthy habits that could help prevent cancer. I encourage Hoosiers, and I understand it can be a bit scary, to talk to their doctors about screenings and preventative measures.”
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.
“Too many Hoosiers will face the effects of cancer in their lifetime,” Mahan said. “Joining my fellow legislators in the Suits and Sneakers challenge is a way to raise awareness and support research for this disease.”
“The House of Representatives took steps to fight cancer in Indiana by unanimously voting in support of a proposal to reduce the number of Hoosier deaths resulting from cervical cancer,” Morris said. “The measure would educate women on how to combat the preventable disease.”
“All citizens of Indiana can attest to the fact that in some way they have been affected by cancer,” Zent said. “It is a disease that does not discriminate, and can upend the lives of entire families. By working with the American Cancer Society, we remain committed to supporting those affected.”
Visit www.cancer.org for more information on how to help spread awareness and fight back against cancer.
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Note to the editor: Below are two photos of area legislators sporting their sneakers with their suits.
Pictured left to right: State Reps. Bob Morris (R-Fort Wayne), Dave Heine (R-New Haven), Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn), Denny Zent (R-Angola), Matt Lehman (R-Berne), Martin Carbaugh (R-Fort Wayne) and Christopher Judy (R-Fort Wayne)
Pictured left to right: State Reps. Greg Beumer (R-Modoc), Christopher Judy (R-Fort Wayne), Dave Heine (R-New Haven) and Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City)
State Rep. Greg Beumer (R-Modoc) represents House District 33, which includes Jay and Randolph counties and a portion of Delaware County.
State Rep. Martin Carbaugh (R-Fort Wayne) represents House District 81, which includes portions of Allen County.
State Rep. Dave Heine (R-New Haven) represents House District 85, which contains portions of Allen County.
State Rep. Christopher Judy (R-Fort Wayne) represents House District 83, which includes portions of Whitley and Allen counties.
State Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) represents House District 79, which includes all of Adams County and portions of Allen and Wells counties.
State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City) represents House District 31, which includes portions of Blackford, Delaware, Grant and Wells counties.
State Rep. Bob Morris (R-Fort Wayne) represents House District 84, which includes portions of Allen County.
State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) represents House District 52, which includes all of DeKalb County and portions of Steuben and Allen counties.
State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) represents House District 51, which includes most of LaGrange and Steuben counties.
