SR0655 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0655 LRB095 20834 GRL 49605 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Fibromyalgia is a disease with uncertain cause and no known cure; this chronic condition affects an estimated seven to ten million people in the United States and many more millions of people worldwide; and

WHEREAS, Fibromyalgia is more likely to affect women, occurring nine times out of ten in women; and

WHEREAS, Fibromyalgia is a very serious and chronic illness, increasing at dramatic rates, causing those affected to suffer from fatigue and debilitating pain in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons; and

WHEREAS, People living with this condition learn to live with difficulty in performing everyday activities, such as climbing stairs, lifting weight, and performing other actions involving physical strain, and with widespread pain in muscles, joints, and ligaments; and

WHEREAS, People with fibromyalgia face discrimination in the workplace and from family and friends because so few people are aware or understand what fibromyalgia is and the symptoms with which it manifests; and

WHEREAS, A diagnosis of fibromyalgia is difficult and takes an average of five years because many of the symptoms mimic those of other disorders, resulting in the average person spending thousands of dollars in medical bills just to receive a diagnosis; and

WHEREAS, Public education is important in order for patients to receive proper diagnosis and treatment; public awareness will help to eliminate the myths, improve patient support, and encourage research; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare May 12, 2008 Fibromyalgia Awareness Day in the State of Illinois and all citizens are encouraged to support those seeking a cure for fibromyalgia and to assist those individuals and families who on a daily basis deal with this devastating disease.