RESOLUTION HONORING LEO I. GORDON, M.D. AND THE ROBERT H. LURIE CANCER CENTER OF NORTHWESTERN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
WHEREAS, the month of September has been designated as National Blood Cancer Awareness Month by the United States Congress in 2010 to bring awareness to research and patient advocacy for all types of blood cancers that are estimated to effect 172,910 people in the United States in 2017; and
WHEREAS, approximately every 3 minutes one person in the United States is diagnosed with a blood cancer. The continual research and improvements in treatments and patient care has increased the survival of blood cancer patients from 40% in 1960 to 89% in 2017 for Hodgkin's Lymphoma, 31% in 1960 to 73% in 2017 for non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, and 14% in 1960 to 63% in 2017 for Leukemia; and
WHEREAS, firefighting is an inherently dangerous job, including the unseen risks associated with cancers and a greater than 50% chance of blood cancers for firefighters over the general population; and
WHEREAS, Firefighter/Paramedic Patrick J. Jessee, of the Chicago Fire Department, began his treatment for a rare, aggressive form of non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2011 under the care of Dr. Leo Gordon and the rest of the medical professionals at the Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center who saved his life and allowed him to thrive and return to be a fully active member of the Chicago Fire Department, Special Operations, Squad Company 2; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant/EMT Michael Schubert, of the Chicago Fire Department, began his treatment for Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2015 under the care of Dr. Leo I. Gordon, who saved his life and allowed him to return as an active member of the Chicago Fire Department as a relief officer in the 1 st District of downtown Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Leo I. Gordon, M.D., has tirelessly and relentlessly cared for blood cancer patients since his graduation from medical school at the University of Cincinnati in 1973, completing his Residency at the University of Chicago in 1976, beginning his service at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in 1979 and instructing generations of physicians in hematology and oncology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. His relentless work has contributed to the survival and betterment of thousands of patients and Chicagoans over the past 44 years; and
WHEREAS, the Cancer Center was established in 1974 and dedicated as the Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center in 1991 to treat all types of cancer. In 2017, the Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center was designated as the best cancer care center in Illinois and the Chicago Metro Region by U.S. News; ranking 13th on the prestigious "Best Hospitals Honor Roll", and ranking nationally as 16th in cancer care; has demonstrated a continual commitment to the care of cancer patients throughout Chicago, both citizens and city servants; and
WHEREAS, we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, are cognizant and deeply appreciative of the excellence of care provided to the citizens of this great City by Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Leo I. Gordon, M.D. and its high caliber staff;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here in assembly this 11th day of October, 2017, A.D., do hereby express our gratitude and appreciation to Leo I. Gordon, M.D. and the Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center of Northwestern Memorial Hospital for their dedication and outstanding contributions to the City of Chicago and the health of its people.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared for presentation to Leo I. Gordon, M.D. and the Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center of Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Nicholas Sposato Alderman, 38th Ward