SR1293 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1293 LRB100 17276 MST 32437 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, There are 230,000 diagnosed kidney disease patients in Illinois and approximately 26 million kidney disease patients nationwide; 96% of them do not know they have kidney disease; and

WHEREAS, Five of every six patients on the organ transplant waiting list are seeking a kidney transplant, which translates to 83%; and

WHEREAS, Each year, approximately 150 Illinoisans will die waiting for a kidney transplant and approximately 4,500 nationwide will die while waiting; approximately 170 Illinoisans are removed from the organ transplant waiting list every year due to advanced illness caused by the life-threatening wait for a kidney; and

WHEREAS, Approximately 700 Illinoisans will receive a kidney transplant in a year and more than 1,200 new names are added to the list each year; and

WHEREAS, Living kidney donation can end this life-threatening wait and help more patients receive a transplant; the majority of those who donate are pleased with their decision and go on to live full, healthy, and vibrant lives; and

WHEREAS, Living kidney donation is currently the best and most cost-effective treatment for end stage renal failure; a kidney donation by a living donor as opposed to a deceased donor lasts significantly longer, vastly improving the patient's quality of life; and

WHEREAS, Living kidney donors have successfully improved outcomes for more than 150,000 kidney transplant recipients; more than 6,800 of whom received transplants in Illinois; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois and the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois are committed to increasing awareness by recognizing living kidney donors who give kidney disease patients hope for a better tomorrow; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the citizens of Illinois who have selflessly donated a kidney and saved a life as a living kidney donor; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we recognize the commitment of the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois and their support of our kidney disease patients' hope for a better and longer life; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we declare June 25, 2018 as "Living Kidney Donors Day" in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois.