HR0449 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0449 LRB100 12834 MST 27272 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Neurological disorders such as Huntington's Disease have social and economic impacts on both those affected and their families; and

WHEREAS, Each year, numerous Illinoisans are diagnosed with neurological disorders; and

WHEREAS, The fourth annual Stars of Hope Walk is being held on June 17, 2017 at Oak Ridge Park in Washington, Illinois; and

WHEREAS, The Stars of Hope Walk benefits patients and families affected by Huntington's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Multiple System Atrophy, and other neurological disorders; it includes a two-mile walk, live music, family-friendly activities, a free lunch, and more; and

WHEREAS, Thousands of families, friends, co-workers, and neighbors come together each year to support three main objectives: find cures for neurodegenerative diseases, bring together people affected by the diseases, and raise awareness and provide education; and

WHEREAS, The Stars of Hope Walk has raised over $300,000 since its inception three years ago; originally known as the Central Illinois Team Hope Walk, it was started by Carl and Linda Ross and Hans and Kelly Ritter in 2014 to raise awareness of Huntington's Disease, support efforts toward finding a cure, and to provide an opportunity for those affected to come together; and

WHEREAS, These two families have been personally affected by Huntington's Disease, a genetic and fatal disorder that causes a progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain; Kelly Ritter's two older sisters and Carl Ross's daughters, Laura and Lisa, were diagnosed with the disease; Lisa passed away earlier this year, and their mother passed away in 1999, both from complications of Huntington's Disease; and

WHEREAS, These two families banded together and started the walk in 2014 with proceeds going to the OSF Foundation and the Illinois Neurological Institute to support local patients and families; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the organizers of the Stars of Hope Walk for its past success, and offer our support to help find a cure for Huntington's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and other neurological disorders; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the organizers of the Stars of Hope Walk, Carl and Linda Ross, and Hans and Kelly Ritter, as an expression of our esteem and respect.