HOUSE BILL No. 5469

 

November 28, 2007, Introduced by Reps. Hildenbrand and Bieda and referred to the Committee on Health Policy.

 

     A bill to establish Rett syndrome awareness week in the state

 

of Michigan.

 

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:

 

     Sec. 1. The legislature declares that the first week in

 

October of each year is Rett syndrome awareness week in this state

 

and encourages academic institutions to educate and inspire

 

children about Rett syndrome.

 

     Sec. 2. (1) The legislature recognizes that Rett syndrome is a

 

neurological disorder found almost exclusively in girls and is

 

found to affect girls of all nationalities. Although public

 

awareness is improving, this debilitating disease is absent in the

 

minds of the general public and the medical community.

 

     (2) There are approximately 15,000 children in the United

 

States who suffer from Rett syndrome. While there is not a known


 

cure for this debilitating disease, there have been tremendous

 

strides made in recent years, which has brought renewed hope to the

 

families and friends of the afflicted.

 

     (3) Through awareness, this disorder can be treated. To assist

 

in developing awareness, the legislature designates the first week

 

in October of each year as the Rett syndrome awareness week and

 

encourages all Michigan citizens to educate themselves about Rett

 

syndrome.