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House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	March 28, 2016 01:13 PM
From:	Representative Tina M. Davis
To:	All House members
Subject:	Resolution: Myositis Awareness Month 2016

In the near future, I plan on introducing a resolution recognizing the month of May 2016 as “Myositis Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania. Myositis is a general term used to describe chronic inflammation of muscles and associated tissues. Its causes include a number of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, which are a group of rare, progressive diseases that involve muscle inflammation and are thought to be autoimmune in nature. Myositis can affect both children and adults of all ages with symptoms including muscle weakness, inflammation, pain, fatigue, skin rashes, lung disease, and a higher-than-normal incidence of cancer. There is no known cure for idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, which affect every aspect of patients' lives, including their emotional and physical well-being, relationships, and financial security. Moreover, treatment options are limited and can have significant side effects. Raising awareness of and funding for this group of diseases are important factors in advancing research and developing new, less-damaging treatments with the goal of a cure for idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. Please consider joining me in recognizing May 2016 as “Myositis Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania and encouraging all citizens of this Commonwealth to learn more about myositis and advocate for increased funding for research, education and support programs.

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