Indiana Congressional Delegation Re-Introduces Stomach Cancer Awareness Month Resolution in Honor of Matthew Tully

Press Release

This week Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN05) and André Carson (D-IN07) along with the entire Indiana congressional delegation reintroduced 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 27,000 cases of stomach cancer were diagnosed in the United States. More than 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 last 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.

"Indianapolis suffered a great loss with Matt Tully's death from stomach cancer a year ago," said Congresswoman Brooks. "As an award-winning journalist for the Indy Star, Matt understood the power and importance of his column in shaping public policy in our community. He regularly used that power and influence to improve our community and the lives of those about whom he wrote, like the students of Manual High School. Sadly Tully, like roughly 11,000 Americans a year, died far too young from stomach cancer. In his honor and the honor of all those others courageously fighting this disease, I am pleased to join my Hoosier colleagues in introducing this resolution to recognize the month of November as Stomach Cancer Awareness Month."

"According to the American Cancer Society more than 27,000 Americans will be diagnosed with stomach cancer this year alone, and in the same time period, around 11,000 will die from this aggressive illness," said Congressman Carson. "We can't accept these startling numbers. That's why I am honored to once again join Congresswoman Brooks in this bipartisan effort to spread awareness about stomach cancer, pay tribute to all who have courageously battled it, and strengthen the search for better treatment and cures. When we are united for this cause, we can save lives --- in our community, and many others."

"I'm proud to join my fellow Hoosier representatives in signing on to the resolution marking November as Stomach Cancer Awareness Month in Matthew Tully's memory to bring awareness about this particularly deadly and difficult to screen for cancer that affects thousands of Americans every year," said Senator Braun.

"In one of his final columns, Matt said his goal was to "spark conversations and offer a unique perspective.' He did far more than that. Through the words he wrote, Matt brought communities together, shined a bright light on the problems we faced, and called attention to the everyday Hoosiers who were trying to make life better," said Senator Young. "It is my hope that this resolution will spark conversations about stomach cancer and draw attention to efforts to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment efforts."

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.