PRINTER'S NO. 2667

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE RESOLUTION

No.

565

Session of

2019

INTRODUCED BY BRIGGS, SCHLEGEL CULVER, BIZZARRO, HENNESSEY,

LONGIETTI, RYAN, KORTZ, KINSEY, CALTAGIRONE, HARKINS,

FREEMAN, MILLARD, HILL-EVANS, READSHAW, BURNS, DiGIROLAMO,

credited with determining that mast cells were a unique category

of cells; and

WHEREAS, While the term mast cell continues to be used to

describe these cells well into the 21st century, the

understanding of the functioning and pathology of these cells

has continued to evolve since their discovery, as these cells

are now recognized for the critical role that they play in the

healthy functioning of the human immune system; and

WHEREAS, Mast cells are scattered throughout the body in

connective tissues, especially beneath the surface of the skin,

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

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