THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

SENATE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY O'PAKE, FOLMER, STACK, BOSCOLA, TARTAGLIONE, KASUNIC, FONTANA, WASHINGTON, RAFFERTY, STOUT, GREENLEAF, DINNIMAN, COSTA, PILEGGI, PIPPY, FERLO, BRUBAKER, ALLOWAY, LOGAN, FARNESE, ERICKSON, KITCHEN, D. WHITE AND EARLL, APRIL 14, 2010

INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED, APRIL 14, 2010  

A RESOLUTION

Designating May 1, 2010, as "Childhood Stroke Awareness Day" in

Pennsylvania; and urging citizens to support the research and

educational endeavors of Pediatric Stroke Network, Inc.

WHEREAS, The incidence of stroke is not restricted merely to

adults but also occurs in children before, during and after

birth; and

WHEREAS, Pediatric strokes affect one in every 3,000 to 4,000

children, including children in utero up to 18 years of age; and

WHEREAS, At least one out of ten children with ischemic

stroke will have a recurrence within five years, and up to a

third of children who have had a stroke will have a recurrent

stroke; and

WHEREAS, Acute ischemic stroke has been estimated to occur in

three in 10,000 births in infants; and

WHEREAS, Nine percent of children who suffer strokes will

die; and

WHEREAS, More than half of children who suffer a stroke will

develop lifelong cognitive or motor disability in addition to,

but not limited to, long-term neurological disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Children suffering a stroke may have paralysis of

one side of the body as well as seizures, speech and vision

problems and learning difficulties that may require ongoing

physical, speech and occupational therapy in addition to

surgeries such as orthopedic and brain surgery; and

WHEREAS, Very little is known about childhood stroke, and

treatment and prevention of childhood stroke is minimal; and

WHEREAS, Only through medical research and education may

effective treatment and prevention techniques be developed so

that childhood stroke can be identified and prevented; and

WHEREAS, Early diagnosis of childhood stroke is imperative

for implementing early intervention through services such as

speech, and occupational and physical therapy as well as

assisting in the prevention of recurrence; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate designate May 1, 2010, as

"Childhood Stroke Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania; and be it

further

RESOLVED, That the Senate urge all citizens to support the

efforts, programs, education, services and advocacy that

Pediatric Stroke Network, Inc., provides as it strives to

enhance public awareness of childhood stroke.