Posted: | August 29, 2017 12:30 PM |
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From: | Representative Kevin Haggerty |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Resolution Designating September 2017 as "Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month" |
In the near future, I plan to introduce a resolution recognizing September 2017 as "Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. Pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disorder marked by progressive scarring of tissue inside and between air sacs in the lungs that gradually interferes with a patient's ability to breathe. Experts point to a number of potential causes of pulmonary fibrosis, including genetics, exposure to airborne toxins and radiation treatment. The American Lung Association reports that this disease affects approximately 140,000 people in the United States and is most prevalent among people ages 50 to 75. Most people survive only three to five years after being diagnosed. Although a variety of treatments are available for individuals with pulmonary fibrosis, there is no known cure for the disease. In an effort to find a cure, patients and advocates have historically recognized September as "Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month." During that time, individuals have fought to raise awareness, strengthen health education, and increase research funding. Please join me in this effort by co-sponsoring this resolution. |
Introduced as HR484