On Monday, January 14, 2013, Senator Robert Menendez joined the Alicia Rose Victorious Foundation and Virtua Health System to announce the first National Teen Cancer Awareness Week. Menendez, inspired by the story of 17-year-old Alicia Rose DiNatale, introduced the resolution to call attention to the unique challenges that confront teenagers diagnosed with cancer.
Alicia Rose DiNatale lived in Voorhees, New Jersey and died from a rare form of cancer at the age of 17. Inspired her spirit and strength of character, her family created the Alicia Rose Victorious Foundation which helps young people with cancer maintain a sense of connection to their family, friends, and lifestyle so that they can battle their cancer with full hearts, a solid frame of mind, and determination.
National Teen Cancer Awareness week begins on January 21, 2013.