HR1039 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1039 LRB098 21043 MST 58763 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, In 2012, a program and scientific symposium was held in Madrid, Spain as the first "World PH (Pulmonary Hypertension) Day" celebration; the day was officially endorsed by 22 patient associations, 10 rare and affiliated disease organizations, and 8 scientific societies; and

WHEREAS, May 5 was chosen as "World PH Day" because it is the anniversary of the first child's death in Spain from pulmonary hypertension as a result of toxic rapeseed oil more than 30 years ago; in 2013, the May 5 date was upheld as "World PH Day" by popular consensus; and

WHEREAS, "World PH Day" is the recognition and declaration of a World Pulmonary Hypertension Day and is a step forward in the consolidation of worldwide PH awareness; "World PH Day" will focus on the importance of improving the quality of life and life expectancy for more than 25 million people living with PH worldwide; pulmonary hypertension can be a fatal disease that is difficult to diagnose; pulmonary hypertension, or PH, is high blood pressure in the lungs; it is estimated that there are approximately 30,000 diagnosed PH patients in the United States, but it is believed that as many as 100,000 people are living with undiagnosed PH; and

WHEREAS, As part of "World PH Day", the PHA Midwest Chapter is holding the CVS Caremark Stride for a Cure; an O2 breathe 5K Run and Walk May 4, 2014 in the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe; the O2 breathe Walks are an opportunity for the pulmonary hypertension community to come together and raise awareness of the disease in their local communities; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize World PH Day to be held on May 4, 2014 in order to draw attention to the serious issue of pulmonary hypertension; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the PHA Midwest Chapter.