Rosalyn Baker: She urges screenings to help beat cancer
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Cancer fundraiser to honor Sen. Baker
The Maui legislator is a 32-year survivor of cervical cancer and a health-care advocate
Star-Bulletin staff
The Cancer Research Center of Hawaii will honor state Sen. Rosalyn Baker, a 32-year cancer survivor and health-care advocate, at its annual fundraising gala Sept. 19 at the Waialae Country Club.
"The Mauka Makai ... Voyage of Discovery" event, sponsored by the nonprofit Friends of the Cancer Research Center, will be from 6 to 9:30 p.m.
Baker (D, South and West Maui-Kapalua-Kaanapali-Lahaina-Maalaea-Kihei-Wailea-Makena) is being recognized for significant contributions to the progress of cancer research, treatment and education.
The chairwoman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee said many of her family members have been stricken by cancer.
"Thanks to the Pap smear, I survived cervical cancer, and I urge everyone to have regular screenings because early detection is so crucial to successfully treating and overcoming the disease," she said in a news release.
"I am grateful to the Cancer Research Center and to the many groups who are working to find new cures and treatments for cancer and improve the quality of life of patients, survivors and their families," she said. "The Cancer Research Center's integration of clinical trials and comprehensive cancer care are essential for cancer."
Baker championed a bill two years ago that increased taxes on cigarettes to deter smoking and provide funding for the new Cancer Research Center proposed in Kakaako.
The law also dedicated funding for development of an integrated trauma system in the state and for increased emergency medical services and community health-care centers.
"Sen. Baker's aloha for those who suffer from cancer comes from personal experience," said Rick Humphreys, president of the Friends of the Cancer Research Center. "And this experience has made her an effective advocate for measures to improve the health of the people of Hawaii and to create public policies that impact thousands of individuals in our communities."