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In this Update:
For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation and Woodloch Resort Pioneering Cancer Care with Nation’s First Respite Center
Two long-standing partners dedicated to providing relief and renewal for those affected by cancer are joining forces to create a transformative space – the nation’s first onsite respite facility, For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Center at Woodloch. Projected to open in 2026, this innovative center will serve more than 4,000 people annually and redefine cancer care in Pennsylvania. For nearly two decades, Montgomery County-based For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation has helped families take a break from cancer through meaningful, restorative experiences. Similarly, Woodloch Resort, renowned for its world-class hospitality in the Pocono Mountains, has offered family-focused getaways for over 65 years. Since 2011, the organizations have collaborated to support patients, loved ones and caregivers navigating the cancer journey. This joint venture consolidates all For Pete’s Sake’s services into one signature location in Hawley. A $3.5 million grant through Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program brings the project closer to its $25 million fundraising goal, complementing significant contributions already secured. So many of us have been touched by this terrible disease. This infusion of state dollars is a significant investment that will help leverage the corporate, foundation, and private donations required to establish this premier complex right here in northeastern Pennsylvania. Woodloch owner Bob Kiesendahl, a cancer survivor, understands the value of reconnecting with family and self during difficult times. Since Woodloch’s inception, its purpose and ‘why’ has been to make the world a better place. Their partnership with For Pete’s Sake was forged after their first conversation, and their shared mission has strengthened their bond over the last 13 years, bringing them to this milestone moment. Set on 32 acres, the 34,000-square-foot campus will feature amenities designed with input from oncology professionals, addressing the emotional, financial, spiritual and physical challenges of cancer in a safe, restorative environment. Features include a dining room serving 60,000 meals annually, an art room, a chapel, yoga space, a swimming pool for water therapy and nature trails. Groundbreaking is scheduled for spring 2025, with completion in 2026. For Pete’s Sake serves adults with all cancer types, partnering with hospitals and cancer centers such as Penn Medicine, Lehigh Valley Health Network, St. Luke’s, Jefferson Health, Allegheny Health Network, Alliance Cancer Care, Geisinger, Fox Chase and UPMC. Patients must be nominated by their oncology team to participate. Jennifer Coleman, diagnosed with cancer in 2023, experienced the program firsthand with her family. At that point, she didn’t know if she would respond to the treatments. When faced with such uncertainty, it was comforting to have a beautiful place to be together, away from all the chaos of cancer, and sit with her husband simply watching their kids playing in the sun, enjoying the lake and laughing again. A year later, Jennifer and her daughter Corrine are giving back as facilitators for new families, appreciating the profound impact of the program from both perspectives. For Pete’s Sake outcomes data proves that respite makes a significant therapeutic impact on patients, caregivers, and their families, strengthening communication, relationships, resilience, and quality of life. For more information on how to get involved, please visit www.RespiteTransformed.org. PA Supreme Court Rules Counties Must Comply with State Election Law
The state Supreme Court has reiterated its previous stance and ruled that undated or misdated mail ballots should not be counted in the 2024 election. It upholds prior rulings clarifying mail and absentee ballots that fail to comply with the Pennsylvania Election Code “shall not be counted” for the purposes of the Nov. 5 election. The ruling is legally sound and publicly reasonable. This controversy should never have occurred. Having and upholding a statewide standard that each county respects and complies with is essential in restoring public confidence in our election process. We can be encouraged that this decision was reached with bipartisan support from the justices. This is a win for voters and the rule of law. Senate Republicans will continue to work to boost election integrity and ensure free, fair and secure elections. New Law Creates Rape Kit Tracking System
To empower survivors and hold offenders accountable, a bill establishing a statewide rape kit evidence tracking system was signed into law as Act 122 of 2024. Act 122 allows survivors to track the status of their rape kits throughout the testing process, from collection to destruction. The law clarifies existing rights and enshrines new statutory rights for survivors of sexual assault. It also brings Pennsylvania into compliance with the Fairness for Rape Kit Backlog Survivors provision of the recent Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) reauthorization. To comply with VAWA, the law provides a waiver for survivors who file untimely claims for compensation due to delays in rape kit testing. Survivors will not need to undergo an appeal process for consideration of this waiver. Bill Allowing Year-round Motorcycle Inspections Now Law
Legislation giving people who are trying to take safety precautions more convenience is now law after receiving unanimous Senate and House support. It allows year-round motorcycle safety inspections in Pennsylvania. Even though motorcycles can be purchased and driven on Pennsylvania roadways throughout the year, the state Vehicle Code previously only allowed safety inspections to be performed from March to October. The legislation eliminated the old restriction to give motorcycle operators more opportunities to complete required inspections. Motorcycle registration with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will continue to be tied to the month the vehicle is to be inspected. Senate Passes Bill to Honor Gold Star Families
It’s important to recognize fallen service members and the families they left behind. I supported a new law that will authorize construction of a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument at the State Capitol Complex in Harrisburg. The monument will be sponsored by the Woody Williams Foundation, which was established to honor and support Gold Star Families. It will be built to reflect five main philosophical pillars of the foundation: homeland, family, patriot, sacrifice and legacy. The monument will give Gold Star Families a permanent place to gather, remember and honor their fallen loved ones. It will also remind the public of the ultimate sacrifice made by the country’s bravest patriots. The monument will be constructed south of the Auditorium Forum Building, east of the Irvis Office Building and north of Walnut Street. New Maple Map Paves the Way for a Tasty Treat
Pennsylvania maple is a true taste of fall, and it’s simpler than ever to enjoy maple syrup and related candies, popcorn and sauces produced right here in the commonwealth. The new Maple Map highlights local producers and businesses all across the state. Using the interactive mapping application makes it easy to find delicious snacks to help you enjoy the season. It also provides maple syrup recipes and a list of restaurants and coffee shops with maple menu offerings. November is Child Safety and Protection Month
Our children are our most precious resource. During Child Safety and Protection Month, we focus on the dangers kids face every day and resolve to do our part to minimize these risks and provide support. Senate Republicans have placed a high priority on keeping kids safe, through advancing several bills during the current legislative session to improve child safety, including:
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