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House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	March 30, 2017 03:24 PM
From:	Representative Florindo J. Fabrizio
To:	All House members
Subject:	Introduction of Four Resolutions

In the near future, I plan on introducing resolutions that will recognize April 2017 as Parkinson's Awareness Month in Pennsylvania; May 2017 as Pediatric Stroke Awareness Month in Pennsylvania; June 2017 as National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month in Pennsylvania; and July 2017 as National Sarcoma Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. Please see below for a complete description and to add your name as a co-sponsor. Thank you.

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Document #1

Description:

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive movement disorder, meaning that symptoms continue and worsen over time. Nearly one million people in the United States are living with Parkinson’s disease. The cause is unknown, and although there is presently no cure there are treatment options such as medication and surgery to control the symptoms. However, these medications and treatments lose their effectiveness, generally after 4 to 8 years, leaving the person unable to move, speak or swallow. Since there is no cure, therapy, or drug to slow or halt the progression of Parkinson’s disease, increased awareness, education and research are needed to help find more effective treatments with fewer side effects, and, ultimately, an effective treatment or cure for Parkinson’s disease. Please join me by co-sponsoring this resolution as we continue to draw attention to this very painful disease.

Document #2

Description:

Stroke, also known as cerebrovascular disease, happens when blood flow to the brain stops, resulting in tissue injury and loss of brain function. Stroke is not restricted to adults. In fact, stroke can occur in children of any age. According to the American Stroke Association, stroke occurs in approximately 1 out of every 3,500 live births, and has an overall annual incidence of 4.6 per 100,000 children age 19 and under. Stroke can cause permanent damage, or even death, if not promptly diagnosed or treated. There are no approved therapies for the treatment of acute stroke in infants and children and not enough is known about the cause, treatment, and prevention of pediatric stroke. Medical research is the only means by which people can identify and develop effective treatment and prevention strategies for pediatric stroke. Early diagnosis and treatment of pediatric stroke greatly improves the chances that the affected child will recover and not experience a recurrence. Please join me by co-sponsoring this resolution as we continue to draw attention to the importance of pediatric stroke. There is a need for continued coordination and cooperation between researchers, families, and the public to improve treatments and prognoses for children who suffer strokes.

Document #3

Description:

Post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that is often misunderstood and its prevalence is frequently underestimated. PTSD affects nearly 7.7 million Americans and approximately 20 percent of veterans returning from Iraq or Afghanistan. Exposure to combat is a widely recognized origin of PTSD; however, it is not the only cause. It can develop after someone experiences a traumatic or life-threatening event including an assault or a disaster. After such traumas, it is normal to experience upsetting memories of the event, feelings of being on edge or difficulty sleeping. These symptoms can appear months to years after the traumatic event and require treatment when the reactions do not improve or resolve. People with PTSD often suffer alone, even though the impact of the condition is felt throughout their family and community. PTSD is a treatable condition and it is important to be aware of its prevalence, signs and symptoms. The establishment of a National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month in Pennsylvania will raise public awareness about issues related to PTSD, reduce the stigma associated with PTSD, and help ensure that those suffering from this disorder receive proper treatment. Please join me in recognizing June 2017 as “National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania.

Document #4

Description:

Sarcoma is a cancer of connective tissues, such as nerves, muscles, joints, fat, bones, and blood vessels, and it can arise anywhere in the body. Sarcomas are divided into two main groups, bone sarcomas and soft tissue sarcomas. They are further sub-classified based on the type of presumed cell of origin found in the tumor. They all share certain microscopic characteristics and have similar symptoms. Sarcomas can develop in children and adults. For children under 20, approximately 15 percent of cancer diagnoses are sarcomas. Although rare, there are approximately 13,000 new cases of sarcoma diagnosed each year in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute. Even though the need for sarcoma research is great, most cancer research funds are used for the more well-known cancers. According to the National Cancer Institute, sarcomas affect thousands of people; yet they are rare cancers that receive limited research funding, and are often misdiagnosed and underreported. For this reason, sarcomas are not fully understood, and this makes them difficult to treat. Please join me by co-sponsoring this resolution as we continue to draw attention to the importance of sarcoma. There is a need for continued coordination and cooperation between, researchers, families, and the public to improve treatments and prognoses for people affected by disease.