HR0129enr 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0129 Enrolled LRB098 11248 MST 42257 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION 129

WHEREAS, Fragile X-associated Disorders (FXD) are a family of genetic conditions that can affect individuals in a variety of ways; the conditions are all caused by changes in the FMR gene; and

WHEREAS, Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most common cause of inherited intellectual disability and the most common known genetic cause of autism or autism spectrum disorders, affecting people of every race, income level, and nationality; and

WHEREAS, Fragile X-associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS) is an adult-onset condition, occurring more commonly in males than females, that causes tremor and affects balance and memory in some "carriers" of the Fragile X gene and is often mistaken for Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and other conditions; and

WHEREAS, Fragile X-associated Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (FXPOI) is a condition of decreased ovarian function that can lead to reduced fertility or infertility, irregular or absent menstrual periods, and early menopause in some female "carriers" of the Fragile X gene; and

WHEREAS, Over one-million Americans are carriers of a Fragile X mutation and thus have, or are at risk for developing, a Fragile X-associated Disorder (FXD) and over 100,000 Americans have Fragile X Syndrome; and

WHEREAS, Fragile X remains frequently undetected due to its recent discovery and the lack of awareness about the syndrome, even within the medical community; and

WHEREAS, The genetic defect causing Fragile X has been discovered and is easily identified by DNA testing; and

WHEREAS, Fragile X is a powerful research model for neuropsychiatric disorders, such as autism, schizophrenia, pervasive developmental disorders, and other conditions including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, reproductive problems in women, and other medical conditions that may have a genetic basis; and

WHEREAS, With concerted research efforts, a cure for Fragile X Syndrome and associated disorders may be developed; and

WHEREAS, Fragile X research, both basic and applied, has been vastly underfunded despite the prevalence of the disorder, the potential for development of a cure, the established benefits of available treatments and intervention, and the significance that Fragile X research has for related disorders; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois General Assembly as an institution and members of the General Assembly as individuals are in unique positions to help raise public awareness about the need for increased funding for research and early diagnosis and treatment for the disorder known as Fragile X; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, That we declare July 22 of 2013 and 2014 to be Fragile X Awareness Day; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the central Illinois Fragile X resource group that represents the National Fragile X Foundation.