HR1322 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1322 LRB099 22191 MST 49558 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Neurological disorders such as Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's Disease, and Alzheimer's Disease have social and economic impacts on both those affected and their families; and

WHEREAS, Many Illinoisans are diagnosed with neurological disorders each year; and

WHEREAS, The third annual Stars of Hope Walk is being held on June 18, 2016 at Oak Ridge Park in Washington, Illinois; and

WHEREAS, The Stars of Hope Walk benefits patients and families affected by neurological disorders; it includes a two-mile walk, live music, family-friendly activities, a free lunch, and more; and

WHEREAS, Thousands of families, friends, co-workers, and neighbors come together each year to support three main objectives: find cures for neurodegenerative diseases, bring together people affected by the diseases, and raise awareness and provide education; and

WHEREAS, The Stars of Hope Walk has raised almost $200,000 since its inception two years ago; originally known as the Central Illinois Team Hope Walk, it was started by Carl and Linda Ross and Hans and Kelly Ritter in 2014 to raise awareness of Huntington's Disease, support efforts toward finding a cure, and to provide an opportunity for those affected to come together; and

WHEREAS, These two families have been personally affected by Huntington's Disease, a genetic and fatal disorder that causes a progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain; and

WHEREAS, Kelly Ritter's two older sisters, and Carl Ross's daughters, Laura and Lisa, have the disease, and their mother passed away in 1999 from complications of Huntington's Disease; and

WHEREAS, The event is being expanded this year to benefit patients with other neurological disorders; proceeds will go to the OSF Foundation and the Illinois Neurological Institute to support patients and families in Central Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the organizers of the Stars of Hope Walk for its past success, and offer our support to help find a cure for Huntington's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and other neurological disorders; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the organizers of the Stars of Hope Walk, Carl and Linda Ross, and Hans and Kelly Ritter, as an expression of our esteem and respect.