PRINTER'S NO. 1111
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
184
Session of
2021
INTRODUCED BY BROWNE, J. WARD, BARTOLOTTA, MARTIN, KANE,
FONTANA, BROOKS, SANTARSIERO, HUGHES, MUTH, COSTA, STEFANO,
PITTMAN, SCHWANK, CAPPELLETTI AND PHILLIPS-HILL,
SEPTEMBER 28, 2021
REFERRED TO RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, SEPTEMBER 28, 2021
A RESOLUTION
Designating the week of September 20 through 27, 2021, as
"Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Research and Awareness Week"
in Pennsylvania to increase awareness and understanding of
idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
WHEREAS, Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a
debilitating and generally fatal disease marked by progressive
scarring of the lungs, causing an irreversible loss of the lung
tissue's ability to transport oxygen; and
WHEREAS, IPF progresses quickly, often causing disability or
death within three to five years; and
WHEREAS, IPF is the most common form of interstitial lung
disease; and
WHEREAS, There is no proven cause of IPF, and it is often
misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed; and
WHEREAS, IPF is five times more common than cystic fibrosis
and Lou Gehrig's disease, yet the disease remains virtually
unknown and receives a fraction of the research funding; and
WHEREAS, More than 132,000 United States citizens have IPF
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and approximately 50,000 new cases are diagnosed each year; and
WHEREAS, As many as 40,000 people die each year due to IPF,
the same number as breast cancer; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 7,000 Pennsylvanians suffer from IPF;
and
WHEREAS, This Commonwealth has become a leader in research
and treatment of IPF, with more than 15% of all lung transplants
in the United States performed in Pennsylvania hospitals; and
WHEREAS, Organizations like the Pennsylvania Idiopathic
Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Network play a crucial role in
raising awareness and providing support and education for
patients, families and health care providers throughout this
Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, Now more than ever, this education and awareness is
critical for the IPF community, as patients with IPF are at a
higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 due to the impact
that the disease places on their lungs and their average age of
diagnosis; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate designate the week of September 20
through 27, 2021, as "Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Research and
Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania to increase awareness and
understanding of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
20210SR0184PN1111 - 2 -
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