SR-142, As Adopted by Senate, April 14, 2010

            Senator Jacobs offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 142.

            A resolution recognizing June 29, 2010, as International Scleroderma Awareness Day in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, Scleroderma is a chronic, disabling autoimmune disease in which the body’s soft tissues suffer from an overproduction of collagen; and

            Whereas, Scleroderma can affect many parts of the body, including skin, internal organs, and blood vessels; and

            Whereas, Scleroderma sufferers often experience damage to the heart, lungs, kidneys, and the gastrointestinal system. Many sufferers develop pulmonary hypertension as a result of constriction of the blood vessels; and

            Whereas, African Americans are more susceptible to systematic scleroderma; and

            Whereas, Researchers have yet to identify the exact cause or causes of scleroderma, and links have been found between scleroderma and rheumatic disease; and

            Whereas, An estimated 300,000 Americans suffer from scleroderma, and 80 percent of those are women; and

            Whereas, The estimated economic impact of scleroderma is in excess of $1.5 billion annually, with morbidity costs associated with scleroderma estimated at $819 million annually. The direct cost of treatment for scleroderma is estimated to be $462 million annually; and

            Whereas, There is a significant need for further research focusing on the epidemiology of scleroderma to increase understanding of the causes of the disease and its treatment; and

            Whereas, The United States Congress has recognized the need to raise awareness of the impact of scleroderma on public health and has designated an International Scleroderma Awareness Day; and

            Whereas, Michigan also recognizes the need to observe International Scleroderma Awareness Day to help educate the public about autoimmune diseases and the need for increased research, funding, and effective treatments for those diseases; and

            Whereas, The designation of such a day would acknowledge the efforts of health care providers, patients, and scleroderma advocacy organizations to increase awareness of scleroderma and the need for increased research; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize June 29, 2010, as International Scleroderma Awareness Day in the state of Michigan; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Scleroderma Foundation - Michigan Chapter as evidence of our esteem for their dedication and commitment to their advocacy for increased awareness, funding, and research on behalf of individuals living with scleroderma.