STATEHOUSE – State Representative Todd Huston (R-Fishers), 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), in 2012, 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 ACS and the National Association of Basketball Coaches to help raise cancer awareness and support those affected by it.
“Cancer is a disease that affects each and every one of us in some way shape or form,” said Rep. Huston. “This is a day for us to show our support for those who have or are currently battling cancer, who have lost loved ones and to let them know that we are standing beside them.”
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.
“I have always admired and looked up to Rep. Wolkins, and I am honored to stand with him in the state legislature,” said Rep. Huston. “Fighting cancer ‘one tie at a time’ is our slogan for this year, and I think it’s important for Rep. Wolkins to know his fellow legislatures will stand by his side and support him while he fights his battle against cancer.”
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.
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. Todd Huston (R-Fishers) represents portions of Hamilton County. He is a member of the Public Policy and Ways and Means Committees.
NOTE TO THE EDITOR: Attached and below is a photo of State Representative Todd Huston (R-Fishers) supporting Suits and Sneakers at the Statehouse.
