HR0223 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0223 LRB104 12931 MST 24484 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), is a complex, debilitating neurological and immunological disease that affects millions worldwide, including an estimated two to three million people in the United States; and

WHEREAS, ME/CFS is characterized by profound fatigue, post-exertional malaise, a worsening of symptoms after even minor exertion, cognitive impairment "brain fog", chronic pain, immune dysfunction, dizziness, and a range of other disabling symptoms that significantly reduce quality of life; and

WHEREAS, ME/CFS can affect individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, often leaving patients bedridden or housebound for years or even a lifetime, with only a small percentage achieving full recovery; and

WHEREAS, Scientific research has demonstrated that ME/CFS is a serious, multi-system disease, yet it remains underfunded, under-researched, and widely misunderstood, contributing to significant delays in diagnosis, limited treatment options, and ongoing stigma for patients; and

WHEREAS, Over 65 million people worldwide, including those suffering from long COVID and other post-viral conditions, now face similar challenges, highlighting the urgent need for increased biomedical research, healthcare provider education, and public awareness of infection-associated chronic conditions; and

WHEREAS, The economic impact of ME/CFS in the U.S. alone is estimated to be in the hundreds of billions of dollars annually due to lost productivity, medical costs, and the need for full-time caregiving; and

WHEREAS, Recognizing ME/CFS and related conditions as serious public health concerns will help accelerate research funding, improve clinical care, and promote policies that support affected individuals and their families; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare May 12, 2025 as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Day in the State of Illinois in recognition of the millions of people living with ME/CFS and related post-infectious diseases; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to Gabriel Henry Hull and his mother, Rebbeca Groble Hull.