PRINTER'S NO. 4283
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
971
Session of
2020
INTRODUCED BY MALAGARI, KINSEY, HILL-EVANS, MILLARD, WEBSTER,
MURT, HOHENSTEIN, RYAN, ROTHMAN, HENNESSEY, GREEN, BURNS,
LONGIETTI, DALEY, SCHLEGEL CULVER, KIRKLAND, DONATUCCI,
GALLOWAY, McCLINTON, NEILSON, YOUNGBLOOD AND ROZZI,
AUGUST 25, 2020
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
AUGUST 25, 2020
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing June 29, 2020, as "World Scleroderma Day" in
Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Scleroderma is a group of rare autoimmune diseases
that involve the hardening and tightening of skin and connective
tissues; and
WHEREAS, Scleroderma affects more women than men and most
commonly occurs between the ages of 30 and 50; and
WHEREAS, There are various types of scleroderma, some of
which harm the skin, while other variations cause damage to
structures beyond the skin such as blood vessels, internal
organs and the digestive tract; and
WHEREAS, Scleroderma affecting the skin causes a hardening
and tightening of patches, which may be shaped like ovals or
straight lines, or cover wide areas of the trunk and limbs; and
WHEREAS, The number, location and size of the patches vary by
type of scleroderma; and
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WHEREAS, Skin can appear shiny because it is so tight and
movement of the affected area may be restricted; and
WHEREAS, One of the earliest signs of systemic scleroderma is
Raynaud's disease which causes the small blood vessels in a
person's fingers and toes to contract in response to cold
temperatures or emotional distress and causes pain, numbness or
a change in color; and
WHEREAS, Scleroderma can cause a variety of digestive
symptoms, depending on which part of the digestive tract is
affected; and
WHEREAS, Some people who have scleroderma may also have
problems absorbing nutrients if their intestinal muscles are not
properly functioning; and
WHEREAS, Scleroderma can also affect the function of the
heart, lungs or kidneys to varying degrees; and
WHEREAS, Scleroderma results from an overproduction and
accumulation of collagen in body tissues, which is conjectured
to be caused by a combination of factors, including immune
system problems, genetics and environmental triggers; and
WHEREAS, It is estimated that approximately 300,000 Americans
have scleroderma, a third of these individuals have systemic
scleroderma; and
WHEREAS, Several Pennsylvania university hospitals have
devoted centers to scleroderma research programs, including the
University of Pennsylvania, Thomas Jefferson University and the
University of Pittsburgh; and
WHEREAS, While there is no cure for scleroderma, there are
many treatment and management methods which may differ from
patient to patient; and
WHEREAS, Physicians may prescribe medications to treat or
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slow skin changes, dilate blood vessels, suppress the immune
system, reduce digestive symptoms, prevent infections and
relieve pain; and
WHEREAS, Physical and occupational therapists can provide
pain management and therapies to improve strength and mobility
in scleroderma patients as treatment; and
WHEREAS, The last and final resort for severe scleroderma
patients is surgery which is specifically used for amputation or
lung transplants; and
WHEREAS, In some cases, the skin problems associated with
scleroderma fade away on their own in two to five years, while
scleroderma that impacts internal organs tends to worsen over
time; and
WHEREAS, It is vitally important for all Pennsylvanians to be
aware of the signs, symptoms, educational resources and
treatment options for scleroderma; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize June
29, 2020, as "World Scleroderma Day" in Pennsylvania.
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