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1
HOUSE RESOLUTION 129

 
2    WHEREAS, Fragile X-associated Disorders (FXD) are a family
3of genetic conditions that can affect individuals in a variety
4of ways; the conditions are all caused by changes in the FMR
5gene; and
 
6    WHEREAS, Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most common cause
7of inherited intellectual disability and the most common known
8genetic cause of autism or autism spectrum disorders, affecting
9people of every race, income level, and nationality; and
 
10    WHEREAS, Fragile X-associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome
11(FXTAS) is an adult-onset condition, occurring more commonly in
12males than females, that causes tremor and affects balance and
13memory in some "carriers" of the Fragile X gene and is often
14mistaken for Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and other conditions;
15and
 
16    WHEREAS, Fragile X-associated Primary Ovarian
17Insufficiency (FXPOI) is a condition of decreased ovarian
18function that can lead to reduced fertility or infertility,
19irregular or absent menstrual periods, and early menopause in
20some female "carriers" of the Fragile X gene; and
 
21    WHEREAS, Over one-million Americans are carriers of a

 

 

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1Fragile X mutation and thus have, or are at risk for
2developing, a Fragile X-associated Disorder (FXD) and over
3100,000 Americans have Fragile X Syndrome; and
 
4    WHEREAS, Fragile X remains frequently undetected due to its
5recent discovery and the lack of awareness about the syndrome,
6even within the medical community; and
 
7    WHEREAS, The genetic defect causing Fragile X has been
8discovered and is easily identified by DNA testing; and
 
9    WHEREAS, Fragile X is a powerful research model for
10neuropsychiatric disorders, such as autism, schizophrenia,
11pervasive developmental disorders, and other conditions
12including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, reproductive problems in
13women, and other medical conditions that may have a genetic
14basis; and
 
15    WHEREAS, With concerted research efforts, a cure for
16Fragile X Syndrome and associated disorders may be developed;
17and
 
18    WHEREAS, Fragile X research, both basic and applied, has
19been vastly underfunded despite the prevalence of the disorder,
20the potential for development of a cure, the established
21benefits of available treatments and intervention, and the

 

 

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1significance that Fragile X research has for related disorders;
2and
 
3    WHEREAS, The Illinois General Assembly as an institution
4and members of the General Assembly as individuals are in
5unique positions to help raise public awareness about the need
6for increased funding for research and early diagnosis and
7treatment for the disorder known as Fragile X; therefore, be it
 
8    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
9NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, That
10we declare July 22 of 2013 and 2014 to be Fragile X Awareness
11Day; and be it further
 
12    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
13presented to the central Illinois Fragile X resource group that
14represents the National Fragile X Foundation.