PRINTER'S NO. 2772
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
592
Session of
2019
INTRODUCED BY BIZZARRO, HENNESSEY, McCLINTON, CALTAGIRONE,
KOSIEROWSKI, LONGIETTI, READSHAW, BURNS, SONNEY, DiGIROLAMO,
RYAN, MURT, HILL-EVANS, ROZZI, HOHENSTEIN, FREEMAN, KINSEY,
ULLMAN, SHUSTERMAN, BERNSTINE, KORTZ, MILLARD, SCHLOSSBERG,
SCHWEYER, GALLOWAY, DeLUCA AND HARKINS, OCTOBER 23, 2019
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH, OCTOBER 23, 2019
A RESOLUTION
Designating the month of November 2019 as "Childhood Brain Stem
Glioma Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania; and designating
November 11, 2019, as "Jax Stone Day" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Brain stem glioma is a disease in which a tumor
occurs on the brain stem, which is the area of the brain that
controls the body's breathing, heart rate and muscles used in
seeing, hearing, walking, talking and eating; and
WHEREAS, Brain stem glioma accounts for approximately 10% to
15% of all childhood brain tumors and occurs mostly in children
between 6 and 9 years of age; and
WHEREAS, There is no known cause of most childhood brain
tumors, which may be benign or malignant; and
WHEREAS, Some of the symptoms associated with brain stem
glioma include difficulty with balance, difficulty walking,
headaches, weakness and fatigue, abrupt vision problems,
increased pressure in the head and unexplained nausea and
vomiting and unusual sleepiness or changes in energy level; and
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
WHEREAS, Because brain stem glioma occurs in a vitally
important area of the brain, treatment and surgical options are
often dangerous and limited; and
WHEREAS, The prognosis for children suffering from brain stem
glioma is dependent on the type and location of the tumor; and
WHEREAS, The two primary classifications of brain stem
gliomas are diffuse astrocytomas centered in the pons, also
called diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPGs) and pilocytic
astrocytomas, which occur throughout the brain stem; and
WHEREAS, The median survival for children with DIPGs is less
than one year, although approximately 10% of children survive
longer than two years; and
WHEREAS, In contrast, pilocytic astrocytomas have markedly
improved prognosis, with five-year overall survival rates
exceeding 90%; and
WHEREAS, More research is needed to discover the cause of
brain stem glioma and develop more effective treatments for
children diagnosed with the disease such as Jax Stone; and
WHEREAS, Born in Erie, Pennsylvania, on November 11, 2004,
Jax was the son of Sean Stone and Tara Braendel Durian; and
WHEREAS, Despite his challenging diagnosis, Jax displayed a
tremendous amount of courage, and, in 2014, was awarded the
local "Good Kid of the Year" award for the bravery and
compassion he showed toward others in his community; and
WHEREAS, The business community in Erie rallied around Jax
and his family throughout his fight with brain stem glioma by
designating "Jax Stone Week" to raise funds for medical, travel
and funeral expenses; and
WHEREAS, Jax Stone passed away on July 27, 2014, at his
residence in Erie following a difficult battle with malignant
20190HR0592PN2772 - 2 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
brain stem glioma; and
WHEREAS, Jax is remembered by his family and community for
his kindness, bravery and selflessness during his fight with
brain stem glioma; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate the
month of November 2019 as "Childhood Brain Stem Glioma Awareness
Month" in Pennsylvania to inform the public about childhood
brain stem glioma and support all individuals affected by this
disease; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate
November 11, 2019, as "Jax Stone Day" in Pennsylvania to honor
one individual who passed away from the disease at a young age,
but was courageous and resilient in his fight.
20190HR0592PN2772 - 3 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13