BILL ANALYSIS
------------------------------------------------------------
|SENATE RULES COMMITTEE | SCR 33|
|Office of Senate Floor Analyses | |
|1020 N Street, Suite 524 | |
|(916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) | |
|327-4478 | |
------------------------------------------------------------
THIRD READING
Bill No: SCR 33
Author: Calderon (D)
Amended: As introduced
Vote: 21
WITHOUT REFERENCE TO COMMITTEE OR FILE
SUBJECT : Crohns and Colitis Awareness Month
SOURCE : The Crohns and Colitis Foundation of America
DIGEST : This resolution designates the month of May of
each year to be Crohns and Colitis Awareness Month.
ANALYSIS : This resolution states the following:
1. 1.4 million American adults and children suffer from
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, two serious and
chronic digestive diseases that can have life
threatening complications.
2. Over the last 50 years the diagnosis of Crohn's disease
and ulcerative colitis has increased 20 fold, and
continues to become more prevalent.
3. In California, one in 200, or an estimated 200,000
residents, suffer from these digestive diseases, which
are incurable illnesses that attack the digestive system
causing abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, rectal
bleeding, fever, weight loss, hospitalization, and
CONTINUED
SCR 33
Page
2
surgery.
4. Between $1.4 billion and $1.8 billion are lost to
businesses and workers because of Crohn's disease and
ulcerative colitis.
5. Due to the symptoms of these diseases, people often live
in silence about their suffering.
6. These diseases interfere with the ability to hold a job,
raise a family, go to school, and maintain
relationships.
7. The symptoms and the chronic nature of these diseases
may cause severe social isolation, depression, and
anxiety.
8. Diagnosis can occur at any age, but most people develop
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis at the prime of
their lives, between 15 and 35 years of age, with 10
percent of victims under the age of 18.
9. The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America is a
nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to
finding a cure and improving the quality of life for
adults and children affected by these digestive
diseases. The foundation has designated over $150
million for research, which has lead to the latest
medical breakthroughs and genetic discoveries.
10.An example of the impact of Crohn's disease is
exemplified by Alexander Marcoccia, a 13-year-old
Sacramento resident battling Crohn's disease. Alexander
experienced five months of bleeding, extreme abdominal
pain, fatigue, arthritis, nausea, and lost 17 percent of
his body weight, leaving this once active boy challenged
in his pursuit of school, sports, or any normal
childhood activities.
11.In the spring, and during May, the foundation hosts Take
Steps for Crohn's and Colitis, the nation's largest
annual event dedicated to finding the cure and improving
the quality of life for the children and adults affected
by these seldom-discussed diseases.
SCR 33
Page
3
12.The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America honors
Alexander Marcoccia for his courage in facing this
difficult and painful disease.
13.Alexander Marcoccia is the foundation's honored hero,
and is encouraging his community to join him at the Take
Steps event on May 9, 2009, at the State Capitol.
This resolution designates the month of May of each year to
be Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Month.
FISCAL EFFECT : Fiscal Com.: No
SUPPORT : (Verified 4/21/09)
The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (source)
CTW:nl 4/21/09 Senate Floor Analyses
SUPPORT/OPPOSITION: SEE ABOVE
**** END ****