STATEHOUSE – State Representative Dick Hamm (R-Richmond), fellow legislators and staff wore sneakers at the Statehouse today in support of the “Suits and Sneakers” challenge to raise awareness of the fight against cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), last year 35,000 Hoosiers heard the words “you have cancer,” and of those, 13,000 lost their lives to the disease. The Suits and Sneakers challenge is an annual event sponsored by the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches to help raise cancer awareness and support those affected by it.
“Fighting cancer is something no one should have to do alone,” said Rep. Hamm, “By uniting together to raise money and awareness, we can hopefully find a cure for this cruel disease.”
State Representative David Wolkins (R-Warsaw), who is currently fighting cancer, has been allowed to remove his tie during session in order to be more comfortable, which male legislators are normally required to wear. In order to show support for their fellow legislator, the Speaker encouraged staff and legislators to remove their ties, while female legislators were encouraged to creatively incorporate a tie into their wardrobes. Legislators and staff also donated to the ACS.
“The past few years, we have set aside a day to wear sneakers in support of the American Cancer Society,” said Rep. Hamm. “This year, one of our own is battling cancer. In support of Rep. Wolkins, we also removed our ties.”
As a part of the Suits and Sneakers Day, Coach Greg Lansing of the Indiana State University men’s basketball team represented all Indiana college basketball coaches during his visit to the Statehouse. He encouraged House members and staff to continue to raise awareness on ways to reduce the risk of cancer and follow the ACS’s recommended cancer screening guidelines.
This morning, the Indiana House of Representatives raised close to $5,000 in donations and pledges for the American Cancer Society. Visit www.cancer.org for more information on how you can help spread the message and fight back against cancer.
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Rep. Hamm represents most of Wayne County.
