HR0246 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0246 LRB096 11693 KXB 23638 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder that causes growths and tumors to form on nerves; neurofibromatosis is one of the most common genetic disorders, approximately one in every 3,000 babies born has neurofibromatosis; neurofibromatosis occurs in both genders, and all ethnic groups equally; and

WHEREAS, There are two types of neurofibromatosis: Type 1 is a form of neurofibromatosis that can be inherited from a parent or be a spontaneous mutation and affects a gene on chromosome 17; people with this type of neurofibromatosis generally have brown oval or circular spots on the skin called cafe-au-lait spots and freckles under the arm or in the groin area; they also have benign soft tumors or lumps under the skin called neurofibroma; and

WHEREAS, Neurofibromatosis Type 1 often causes learning difficulties in children, and can also affect physical growth; tumors may form along nerves anywhere in the body; and it can cause atrophy, pseudarthrosis, scoliosis, plexiform neurofibroma, bright spots on the brain, optic glioma, depression, executive function issues, and other psychological issues; and

WHEREAS, Neurofibromatosis Type 2 is also inherited or a spontaneous mutation caused by a change in a gene on chromosome 22; neurofibromatosis Type 2 is sometimes referred to as central neurofibromatosis or bilateral acoustic neuroma; neurofibromatosis Type 2 affects nerves next to the brain or spinal chord and can cause serious disabilities; and

WHEREAS, People with neurofibromatosis Type 2 have tumors that affect hearing and balance, and they can have tumors that push on the brain or spinal chord, as well as tumors along the peripheral nerves; these problems can cause weakness and seizures; and

WHEREAS, Neurofibromatosis Inc. Midwest is a network that provides information on neurofibromatosis, makes referrals to local medical resources, sponsors national and local conferences for neurofibromatosis families, as well as other services; their mission is to create a community of support for individuals and families affected by neurofibromatosis; and

WHEREAS, May is National Neurofibromatosis Month; Great Steps for Neurofibromatosis 2009 will take place at the Naperville Riverwalk on Saturday, June 6, 2009 and in Effingham on June 20, 2009; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we proclaim May of 2009 as Neurofibromatosis Month in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Neurofibromatosis Inc. Midwest as a symbol of our respect.