HR1258 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1258 LRB099 21900 MST 48844 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to recognize Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month, being held from May 15 through June 15, 2016; and

WHEREAS, Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, stereotyped, involuntary movements, and vocalizations called tics; and

WHEREAS, Early symptoms of Tourette Syndrome are typically noticed first in childhood, with the average onset between the ages of three and nine years of age; and

WHEREAS, Tourette Syndrome occurs in people from all ethnic groups; males are affected about three to four times more often than females; and

WHEREAS, It is estimated that 200,000 Americans have the most severe form of Tourette Syndrome, and as many as one in 100 exhibit milder and less complex symptoms such as chronic motor or vocal tics; and

WHEREAS, Some of the symptoms of Tourette Syndrome include simple motor tics that are sudden, brief, repetitive movements that involve a limited number of muscle groups, including eye blinking and other eye movements, facial grimacing, shoulder shrugging, head or shoulder jerking, and simple vocalizations might include repetitive throat-clearing, sniffing, or grunting sounds; and

WHEREAS, Some of the more complex symptoms include distinct, coordinated patterns of movements involving several muscle groups, complex motor tics that might include facial grimacing combined with a head twist and a shoulder shrug, and other complex motor tics may actually appear purposeful, including sniffing or touching objects, hopping, jumping, bending, or twisting; and

WHEREAS, According to the Tourette Association of America, May 15 through June 15 is Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month in the United States in an effort to help raise awareness of this condition and aid in the pursuit of research into this syndrome; and

WHEREAS, There are five ways to participate in Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month, including:

1) Joining a social media campaign to raise awareness of Tourette Syndrome;

2) Participating in "Teal Tuesdays" by wearing teal;

3) Reaching out to local chapters or support groups to get involved;

4) Reaching out to local legislators advocating for Tourette Syndrome Awareness; and

5) By participating in a Team Tourette Awareness Walk; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month, being held from May 15 through June 15, 2016 and declare May 31, 2016 as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Tourette Syndrome Association of Illinois as a symbol our our respect and esteem.