SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - The California State Senate unanimously passed Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 73 on June 23. It aims to establish June 16-June 22, 2025, as familial adenomatous polyposis awareness week, and the ceremony also recognized attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis (AFAP), a subvariant of FAP. 

What is familial adenomatous polyposis? FAP is a rare and genetic condition that is caused by a defect in the adenomatous polyposis coli gene. The condition results in an extra amount of tissue, also known as polyps, to form in the large intestine and rectum. 

If left untreated, the polyps can become cancerous typically when a person reaches their 40s. 

Galt’s state Sen. Roger Niello worked closely with constituent Dan Shockley to raise awareness about this issue. Shockley is a survivor and advocate for FAP and AFAP awareness. 

“As a 13-year Attenuated FAP warrior, I'm honored to have the support of Sen. Roger Niello for this life-saving campaign,” said Shockley. “The late Dr. Henry T. Lynch, the founding father of hereditary cancer research, is credited with discovering AFAP. Dr. Lynch considered me a colleague through the years. He shared with me that there seems to be a limited number of resources for individuals diagnosed with hereditary cancer. My purpose is to educate medical students about AFAP continuing the legacy of Dr. Henry T. Lynch on the importance of early detection in hopes of saving lives. My mantra is a positive spin on a bleak diagnosis, Always Forge Ahead with a Purpose!” 

Niello presented SCR 73 on the Senate floor and received unanimous support. He shared, “Drawing attention to conditions such as this raises awareness about those living with FAP.” He continued, “I am proud to author SCR 73 with help of fierce advocates like Dan and encourage Californians to understand their own risk for conditions like this.”

Shockley was joined in the Senate by friends and fellow advocates Rich Lozano, Salma Shah and Abid Shah.

SCR 73 now moves on to the State Assembly.