MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2007 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Peranich, Clarke, Brown, Burnett, Cockerham, Coleman (29th), Coleman (65th), Cummings, Dickson, Formby, Fredericks, Harrison, Lane, Martinson, Masterson, Rogers (14th), Scott, Stevens, Thomas, Upshaw, Whittington
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE COMMITTED DEDICATION OF JOAN E. NICELEY, FOUNDER OF THE "PINK HEART FUND," FOR HER WORK IN PROVIDING WIGS AND BREAST PROSTHESES TO CANCER PATIENTS.
WHEREAS, after having been diagnosed with breast cancer on October 21, 2002, JoAn Niceley dedicated her life's work in the fight to find a cure; and
WHEREAS, a native of Virginia, JoAn, who is no stranger to overcoming the odds and turning tragedy into triumph, moved to Pass Christian, Mississippi, with her family in 1968, and one year later lost everything to Hurricane Camille, thereafter moving to Long Beach, where she continues to reside; and
WHEREAS, because JoAn knows firsthand the determination necessary to get through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, she has become an invaluable volunteer with the American Cancer Society and has taken on a few projects of her own; and
WHEREAS, a hairstylist with 30 years' experience, 12 years of which she has specialized in styling and custom fitting wigs for women, men and children alike, helping them adjust to the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation by providing superior products that have a realistic appearance and feel; and
WHEREAS, JoAn uses her skills as a cosmetologist by facilitating "Look Good Feel Better," a program created by the American Cancer Society, during which she teaches patients how to combat the cosmetic side effects of cancer treatments, using her personal and professional experience to assist patients in fitting wigs, scarves and hats; and
WHEREAS, in her continuing efforts to aid those financially disadvantaged and unable to buy a wig or expensive breast prosthesis, JoAn founded the Pink Heart Fund to help ensure that cancer patients in need of a wig or breast prosthesis are provided those necessities as part of their recovery process; and
WHEREAS, very active in the Relay for Life, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk and the Susan Komen Breast Cancer Walk, Mrs. Niceley has created a cookbook, "Appetite for Living," in honor of cancer survivors and in memory of those who lost their battle with the disease, proceeds of which go to the Pink Heart Fund; and
WHEREAS, having lost her father, William Cupp, to cancer in 1984 at the age of 54, JoAn's survival is marked by a contagious and enduring energy and a strong will to help those in need; and
WHEREAS, after Hurricane Katrina, JoAn saw an increased need for support and encouragement to be made available to cancer patients, who not only found themselves battling this most atrocious disease, but also battling the survival of life itself after having lost everything in the storm's fury, and in efforts to ease some of the financial strain, donated more than 50 free wigs and an abundance of Wal-Mart Gift Cards; and
WHEREAS, during her bout with this life-altering disease and through her continuing effort to do a yeoman's job in helping in the fight for a cure, Mrs. Niceley has shared the admiration and support of husband, Larry Niceley and stepsons, Thomas and Clifford; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend such noteworthy givers of light as Mrs. Niceley, whose own personal struggle with cancer has inspired her to a life of volunteerism and dedicated service in the fight for cancer's cure:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the committed dedication of JoAn E. Niceley, founder of the "Pink Heart Fund," for the work in the efforts of promoting cancer awareness and for her work in providing wigs and breast prostheses to cancer patients and express warmest wishes for continued health and success in all of her future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mrs. Niceley and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.