HR0926 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0926 LRB099 11746 MST 33605 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Lymphedema is swelling that occurs in the arms and legs of an individual, often caused by the removal of or damage to lymph nodes as part of a cancer treatment or other infection; and

WHEREAS, The factors that increase the risk of lymphedema include cancer treatment, age, excess weight or obesity, or rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis; and

WHEREAS, Undiagnosed lymphedema can lead to serious complications, such as bacterial infections of the skin and lymph vessels or lymphangiosarcoma, which is a rare form of soft tissue cancer that results from severe cases of the disease; and

WHEREAS, Lymphedema cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be managed through a variety of treatment options, such as exercise, massage, therapy, and compression garments; and

WHEREAS, The necessary compression garments and therapy treatment options can cost between $200-$3,000 for a patient and are often not covered by insurance plans; and

WHEREAS, Lymphedema is not well-known and is often underdiagnosed; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we encourage increased public awareness of lymphedema; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the Governor of Illinois, the Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, all constitutional officers, and all members of the Illinois General Assembly in order to raise awareness of lymphedema.