SR-32, As Adopted by Senate, March 26, 2015

            Senators Gregory, Hood, Bieda, Robertson, Ananich, Knezek and Kowall offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 32.

            A resolution to commemorate April 2015 as Sarcoidosis Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, Sarcoidosis is a noncontagious, systemic inflammatory disease that causes the immune system to damage the body’s own tissues. It can affect any organ in the body but most commonly affects the lungs and lymph nodes; and

            Whereas, Those with sarcoidosis often suffer in chronic, debilitating ways and may or may not present outward symptoms, depending on the organs the disease affects; and

            Whereas, Sarcoidosis can impact people of all races and all ages, but according to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, it is most common among African Americans who are between the ages of 20 and 40; and

            Whereas, While some progress has been made in recognizing the symptoms of sarcoidosis and diagnosing its presence, the cause of this rare disease remains unknown; and

            Whereas, Although prevalence rates for sarcoidosis can only be estimated because many with the disease go undiagnosed, the estimated prevalence rates in the United States range from 1 to 40 per 100,000 people; and

            Whereas, Through instituting further research, quantifying the prevalence of the disease, discovering the causes, and improving treatment, medical authorities may find that a cure for this debilitating disease is well within reach; and

            Whereas, During the month of April, worldwide events are scheduled to increase public awareness of the need to support individuals with sarcoidosis, encourage more research funding, and educate the public about the disease; and

            Whereas, Greater awareness and knowledge of sarcoidosis would substantially benefit those affected and ultimately will help to find a cure for this potentially fatal disease; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby commemorate April 2015 as Sarcoidosis Awareness Month in the state of Michigan. We encourage citizens to learn more about this disease and show support for its victims.