State Reps. Bob Morris (right) and Martin Carbaugh (left)  

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WOWO):  Lawmakers from around the state participated in “Suits and Sneakers” in hopes to raise awareness of the fight against cancer.  

“Unfortunately, cancer has impacted all of our lives in some way,” said State Rep. Bob Morris from Fort Wayne.  “With so many affected by this disease, I was honored to participate in Suits and Sneakers to raise awareness and support organizations like the American Cancer Society that are working so hard to find a cure.”  

According to the American Cancer Society, 35,000 Hoosiers learned of having cancer in 2012 and 13,000  lost their lives to the disease.  State Representative David Wolkins of Warsaw, who is currently fighting cancer, has been allowed to remove his tie during session in order to be more comfortable, which male legislators are normally required to wear. In order to show support for their fellow legislator, the Speaker encouraged staff and legislators to remove their ties, while female legislators were encouraged to creatively incorporate a tie into their wardrobes. 

“As a relatively new legislator, Rep. Wolkins has been one of my role models in the General Assembly,” said State Rep. Casey Cox of Fort Wayne.  “His desk is right behind mine on the House floor, and I have always looked up to him. I was proud to join my colleagues by removing our ties in honor of our dear friend and fellow legislator.” 

You can visit www.cancer.org for more information on how you can help spread the message and fight back against cancer.