SR0167 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0167 LRB097 11486 KXB 54139 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Primary immunodeficiency diseases are disorders in which part of the body's immune system is missing or does not function properly; these disorders are caused by intrinsic or genetic defects in the immune system, many of which require chronic replacement therapy consisting of immune globulin administration, gamma interferon, antibiotic therapy, bone marrow/stem cell transplantation, or gene therapy to protect individuals from frequent life-threatening infections and debilitating illnesses; and

WHEREAS, The World Health Organization recognizes more than 150 primary immunodeficiency diseases; and

WHEREAS, As the public and the medical community know little about primary immunodeficiency diseases that may affect as many as 250,000 people in the United States, there is a delay of 12.4 years from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis, often resulting in permanent functional impairments; and

WHEREAS, It is necessary to educate healthcare professionals about primary immunodeficiency diseases to reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment, and widespread public support is needed to understand these disorders, find cures, and provide access to available life-saving therapies; the Immune Deficiency Foundation is helping this cause by providing advocacy, education, and research to improve diagnosis and treatment; and

WHEREAS, The Immune Deficiency Foundation has declared April as National Awareness Month for Primary Immune Diseases; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate April as Primary Immunodeficiency Awareness Month in the State of Illinois and encourage all citizens to learn about primary immunodeficiency diseases and support those affected by them; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the Immune Deficiency Foundation with our appreciation of their ongoing effort to increase awareness and understanding of primary immunodeficiency diseases.