PRINTER'S NO. 499
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
86
Session of
2017
INTRODUCED BY DAVIS, FEBRUARY 14, 2017
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
FEBRUARY 14, 2017
A RESOLUTION
Designating January 15, 2017, as "Krabbe Disease Awareness Day"
in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Globoid cell leukodystrophy, or Krabbe disease, is
caused by the shortage of an enzyme called galactosylceramidase;
and
WHEREAS, The enzyme shortage impairs the growth and
maintenance of myelin resulting in central nervous system
disruptions; and
WHEREAS, The disease affects muscle tone and movement and may
cause vision and hearing loss, among other devastating effects;
and
WHEREAS, In most cases, Krabbe disease develops in babies
before six months of age, although it can occur in older
children and in adults; and
WHEREAS, The symptoms of Krabbe disease include feeding
difficulties, unexplained crying, loss of head control, fevers,
vomiting, extreme irritability, changes in muscle tone, limb and
muscle stiffness, poor coordination of movements, seizures,
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progressive loss of hearing and sight, spasticity and loss of
developmental milestones; and
WHEREAS, Most children who develop Krabbe disease in infancy
die before the age of two, most often from respiratory failure
or complications of immobility and markedly decreased muscle
tone; and
WHEREAS, There is no cure for Krabbe disease and treatment
mainly involves easing symptoms; and
WHEREAS, Krabbe disease affects approximately 1 in every
100,000 people in the United States; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize January
15, 2017, as "Krabbe Disease Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania.
20170HR0086PN0499 - 2 -
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