Washington state’s cancer research fund would be re-named the Andy Hill Cancer Research Endowment, under a measure sponsored by Sen. Joe Fain, to recognize and remember his friend and colleague. The late Sen. Hill lost his own battle with cancer on Oct. 31, 2016.

“While Andy probably would not have liked the extra attention, this provides an opportunity to share his tremendous work to help others fighting their own battle with cancer,” said Fain, R-Auburn, who was elected to the Senate the same year as Hill. “Andy was an incredible inspiration to Washingtonians with cancer and worked to create this fund to help improve care and find cures.”

Hill was originally diagnosed with lung cancer despite having never smoked. Despite significant odds he was found to be cancer free in 2009 after use of a cutting-edge experimental treatment. Hill was elected to the Washington State Senate in 2010, quickly rising to the role of chief budget writer and negotiator and remained cancer-free until 2016.

Hill worked to create the cancer research endowment authority in 2015, which provides and directs funding for cancer research projects.

The legislation, which passed unanimously, now heads to the House of Representatives for its consideration as lawmakers near the halfway point of the 2017 session.