093_HR0374
LRB093 11908 HSS 16289 r
1 HOUSE RESOLUTION
2 WHEREAS, 30,000 to 50,000 Americans have myositis; most
3 are afflicted with inclusion body myositis; and
4 WHEREAS, Myositis consists of inflammatory myopathies
5 which involve the inflammation and degeneration of muscle
6 tissues and is thought to be an autoimmune disorder; in
7 inflammatory myopathies, inflammatory cells surround, invade,
8 and destroy normal muscle fibers as though they were
9 defective or foreign to the body; this eventually results in
10 devastating muscle weakness which is usually symmetrical and
11 develops slowly over weeks to months or even years; and
12 WHEREAS, Three types of inflammatory myopathies include
13 dermatomyositis, polymyositis, and inclusion body myositis;
14 each is unique in development and treatment; people affected
15 by myositis suffer from a debilitating autoimmune
16 neuromuscular disease; and
17 WHEREAS, The Myositis Association works to improve the
18 lives of those affected by inflammatory myopathies; the
19 organization seeks out persons with inflammatory myopathies,
20 provides a support network, acts as a resource for patients
21 and the medical community and as an advocate for patients,
22 and promotes research into the cause and treatment of the
23 diseases; and
24 WHEREAS, Myositis Awareness Day began with one person
25 trying to raise awareness about myositis in Massachusetts on
26 September 21, 2001; in 2002, four states proclaimed the day
27 and in 2003, there are plans for recognition in over 20
28 states and four countries; therefore, be it
29 RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
30 NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
31 September 21, 2003 shall be Myositis Awareness Day in the
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1 State of Illinois in order to raise awareness about myositis;
2 and be it further
3 RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
4 presented to The Myositis Association.