BILL NUMBER: ACR 171	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Wilk

                        AUGUST 7, 2014

   Relative to Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Awareness Month.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   ACR 171, as introduced, Wilk. Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
Awareness Month.
   This measure would declare September 2014 as Charcot-Marie-Tooth
Disease Awareness Month.
   Fiscal committee: no.



   WHEREAS, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is one of the most
commonly inherited neurological disorders, affecting approximately 1
in 2,500 people in the United States and 2.6 million people
worldwide; and
   WHEREAS, CMT affects both motor and sensory nerves with symptoms
that may include muscle weakness in the foot and lower leg, foot
deformities, frequent tripping or falls, and muscle weakness in the
hands; and
   WHEREAS, CMT is one of 40 diseases covered by the Muscular
Dystrophy Association, but unlike muscular dystrophy, in which the
defect is in the muscles, CMT is a disorder in which the defect is in
the nerves that control the muscles; and
   WHEREAS, The onset of CMT symptoms typically begins in adolescence
or early adulthood, but some individuals develop symptoms in
mid-adulthood, with the severity of symptoms varying among
individuals and pain ranging from mild to severe; and
   WHEREAS, Although physical therapy, occupational therapy, and
moderate physical activity are beneficial in treating CMT, and
sometimes CMT is surgically treated, currently there is no cure for
CMT; and
   WHEREAS, The Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association is dedicated to
supporting the development of new drugs to treat CMT in order to
improve the quality of life of people with CMT, and ultimately, to
find a cure for this disease; and
   WHEREAS, Dedicating a month to increase awareness of CMT, its
symptoms and the obstacles faced by individuals and families affected
by the disorder would be highly beneficial; now, therefore, be it
   Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate
thereof concurring, That September 2014 be declared
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Awareness Month; and be it further
   Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of
this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.