HR0097 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0097 LRB101 10863 ALS 56003 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder caused by the loss of certain cells in the brain and spinal cord resulting in the impairment of the body's involuntary functions, including blood pressure, heart rate, bladder function, and digestion; and

WHEREAS, Having formerly been called Shy-Drager Syndrome, MSA shares similar symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as slowness of movement, muscle rigidity, and poor balance; and

WHEREAS, People who have MSA also frequently suffer from other involuntary functions of the body, including urinary and bowel dysfunction, sweating abnormalities, sleep disorders, difficulty controlling blood pressure, sexual dysfunction, cardiovascular problems, and psychiatric disturbances; and

WHEREAS, Some people are never accurately diagnosed with MSA due to its likeness to Parkinson's disease; and

WHEREAS, Though the progression of MSA varies from person to person, the condition never goes into remission and is a progressive condition that in due course will lead to death; and

WHEREAS, Early diagnosis and treatment of MSA is critical to managing symptoms and maintaining the best possible quality-of-life throughout a person's estimated 7-9 year life expectancy, pursuant to their diagnosis; and

WHEREAS, Increased awareness and exposure to MSA has inspired the nation's medical and scientific communities to engage in novel investigative research and treatment developments and assemble coalitions that serve patients and families through support, education, advocacy, and financial assistance; and

WHEREAS, The development of better treatments and, some day, a cure will help countless families avoid tremendous pain and loss; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare March of 2019 as MSA Awareness Month in the State of Illinois.