HR0926LRB099 11746 MST 33605 r

1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, Lymphedema is swelling that occurs in the arms and
3legs of an individual, often caused by the removal of or damage
4to lymph nodes as part of a cancer treatment or other
5infection; and
 
6    WHEREAS, The factors that increase the risk of lymphedema
7include cancer treatment, age, excess weight or obesity, or
8rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis; and
 
9    WHEREAS, Undiagnosed lymphedema can lead to serious
10complications, such as bacterial infections of the skin and
11lymph vessels or lymphangiosarcoma, which is a rare form of
12soft tissue cancer that results from severe cases of the
13disease; and
 
14    WHEREAS, Lymphedema cannot be cured, but the symptoms can
15be managed through a variety of treatment options, such as
16exercise, massage, therapy, and compression garments; and
 
17    WHEREAS, The necessary compression garments and therapy
18treatment options can cost between $200-$3,000 for a patient
19and are often not covered by insurance plans; and
 
20    WHEREAS, Lymphedema is not well-known and is often

 

 

HR0926- 2 -LRB099 11746 MST 33605 r

1underdiagnosed; therefore, be it
 
2    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
3NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we
4encourage increased public awareness of lymphedema; and be it
5further
 
6    RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be
7delivered to the Governor of Illinois, the Director of the
8Illinois Department of Public Health, all constitutional
9officers, and all members of the Illinois General Assembly in
10order to raise awareness of lymphedema.