2003-2004 Bill 755: Myositis Awareness Day, September 21, 2003 - South Carolina Legislature

South Carolina General Assembly

115th Session, 2003-2004

S. 755

STATUS INFORMATION

Concurrent Resolution

Sponsors: Senator Pinckney

Document Path: l:\council\bills\bbm\9921sl03.doc

Companion/Similar bill(s): 4372

Introduced in the Senate on June 5, 2003

Introduced in the House on June 5, 2003

Adopted by the General Assembly on June 5, 2003

Summary: Myositis Awareness Day, September 21, 2003

HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS

DateBodyAction Description with journal page number

6/5/2003SenateIntroduced, adopted, sent to House SJ56

6/5/2003HouseIntroduced, adopted, returned with concurrence HJ167

VERSIONS OF THIS BILL

6/5/2003

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

TO PROCLAIM SEPTEMBER 21, 2003, AS MYOSITIS AWARENESS DAY IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, AND TO RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF MYOSITIS AWARENESS AND THE EFFORTS TO HELP PREVENT AND CURE THIS DISEASE.

Whereas, the members of the General Assembly are happy to proclaim September 21, 2003, as the first Myositis Awareness Day over the next five years in order to promote the efforts of the organizations that help raise money in hopes of preventing and curing myositis and also help educate the public about the symptoms and effects the disease has on those afflicted; and

Whereas, myositis is believed to be an autoimmune disease much like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, but since so little is known about myositis, it often goes undiagnosed for weeks or even months, reducing the chances of a positive outcome for new patients; and

Whereas, this disease attacks people of all ages, and The Myositis Association estimates that there are between thirty and fifty thousand cases of myositis in the United States. Juvenile patients typically experience dermatomyositis, with its often itchy and painful skin rash and muscle weakness; and

Whereas, presently, standard treatments are aimed at suppressing the immune system and decreasing muscle inflammation. Treatments vary greatly among patients, with many patients not responding to any treatment. The medicines used to treat myositis often cause uncomfortable and lasting side effects; and

Whereas, the focus for the future of The Myositis Association is on increasing awareness and encouraging research, diagnosis, and a cure; and

Whereas, the members of the General Assembly find the issue of myositis of great concern to the welfare of our State and appreciate and commend the actions taken to cure this disease. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the members of the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, proclaim September 21, 2003, as Myositis Awareness Day in the State of South Carolina for the next five years and recognize the importance of myositis awareness and the efforts to help prevent and cure this disease.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to The Myositis Association.

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