SJ0053 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Sarcoidosis is a non-contagious systemic disease of unknown origin; it is commonly diagnosed with the detection of inflamed, microscopic growths called granulomas that grow and often affect the lungs, skin, eyes, and nervous system; and

WHEREAS, Sarcoidosis can affect any organ of the body and more than one organ at any given time; and

WHEREAS, The inflammation of such vital organs may cause seizures, blindness, disfiguring lesions, and heart failure; and

WHEREAS, Some famous suffers of sarcoidosis include NBC sportscaster Darrian Chapman, Hall of Fame athletes Bill Russell and Reggie White, gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, and comedian Bernie Mac, who passed away as a result of sarcoidosis; many other celebrities have or have had sarcoidosis; and

WHEREAS, Many individuals stricken with sarcoidosis eventually develop a serious disability or a potentially fatal condition; and

WHEREAS, Sarcoidosis was once thought to be an uncommon condition, but is now known to affect tens of thousands of people throughout the United States; and

WHEREAS, Sarcoidosis afflicts African Americans up to 8 times more frequently than other races; and

WHEREAS, As many people with Sarcoidosis have no symptoms, it is difficult to measure how many people have the condition; and

WHEREAS, Sarcoidosis is a disease that affects Americans nationwide and people around the world, yet its causes and potential treatments remain a mystery; and

WHEREAS, Skin-related symptoms of this chronic, multi-systemic disease were first recognized more than 100 years ago, but the effects of the disease on other organs were not observed until recently; and

WHEREAS, Sarcoidosis was the chief diagnosis of the death of fluorescent light bulb workers in Salem, Massachusetts in the 1940s; and

WHEREAS, Sarcoidosis was the first diagnosis for an overwhelming majority of rescue workers present at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001; and

WHEREAS, Sarcoidosis has been documented to be disproportionately found among factory workers, Navy deck grinders, and members of other military branches; and

WHEREAS, Today, researchers are still trying to learn more about the causes, cures, and overall nature of sarcoidosis; and

WHEREAS, The American Lung Association, the National Sarcoidosis Society, and the National Sarcoidosis Foundation have actively advocated for more research to better understand how environmental and occupational exposures may increase the risk of sarcoidosis; and

WHEREAS, The National Sarcoidosis Society's Chicago Headquarters and the National Sarcoidosis Foundation strive to serve those afflicted by the disease by focusing efforts on public policy, research, funding, patient services, support group meet, public awareness, education, and finding a cure; and

WHEREAS, It would be fitting to designate the month of April 2014 as Illinois Sarcoidosis Awareness Month, a month with worldwide events to increase public awareness of the need to support individuals with sarcoidosis, educate others on the environmental and occupational issues associated with sarcoidosis, and educate medical and professionals who care for individuals with sarcoidosis; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that we designate the month of April 2014 as Illinois Sarcoidosis Awareness Month in the State of Illinois and show our support for the goals and ideals of National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we encourage the federal government and the other 49 states to show their support of the goals and ideals of National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we recognize sarcoidosis' prominent yet hidden role in America's workforce history and acknowledge the diligent efforts of individuals and organizations who observe National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month, and show our support for research efforts to better understand the link between sarcoidosis and specific occupations where sarcoidosis is disproportionately represented.