infection and release specific chemicals called mediators which
trigger a response; and
WHEREAS, Mast cells serve a protective role for our bodies
and are intimately involved in wound healing, angiogenesis,
immune tolerance, defense against pathogens and blood-brain
barrier function; and
WHEREAS, In certain individuals, mast cells become agitated
or overactive and start to accumulate or cause the immune system
to malfunction, commonly referred to as mast cell disease, but
it includes a host of disorders relative to improperly
functioning mast cells; and
WHEREAS, These disorders include mastocytosis, which is the
abnormal accumulation of mast cells in organs and mast cell
activation syndrome, which involves the inappropriate release of
mast cell mediators; and
WHEREAS, Mast cell diseases can cause tremendous suffering
and disability due to symptoms arising from infiltration and
accumulation of mast cells in major organ systems or
symptomatology from daily mast cell mediator release; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of the need to increase awareness of
mast cell diseases, the first "Mast Cell Diseases Awareness Day"
was observed in 2018 as a result of a collaborative effort from
a host of advocacy groups involved with various mast cell
disorders; and
WHEREAS, "Mast Cell Diseases Awareness Day" aims to raise the
awareness of this family of diseases that ranges from life-
threatening forms to more benign forms and the need for more
accurate diagnostics, better treatments and further investments
in research; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize October
20200HR1034PN4454 - 2 -
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