WHEREAS, Scleroderma is a chronic, disabling autoimmune disease in which the body’s soft tissues contract and harden from an overproduction of collagen; and
WHEREAS, Scleroderma can affect many parts of the body, including skin, internal organs, and blood vessels; and
WHEREAS, Scleroderma sufferers often experience damage to the heart, lungs, kidneys, and the gastrointestinal tract; and
WHEREAS, Scleroderma is associated with many other conditions, including pulmonary hypertension, gastroparesis, Raynaud’s phenomenon, Sjögren’s syndrome, and lupus; and
WHEREAS, Researchers have yet to identify the exact cause or causes of scleroderma; and
WHEREAS, An estimated 300,000 Americans suffer from scleroderma, 80 percent of those being women; and
WHEREAS, Choctaw Native Americans, African Americans, and Hispanics may be affected by scleroderma more severely than Caucasians; and
WHEREAS, The estimated total economic impact of scleroderma treatment is estimated to be in excess of $1.5 billion annually; and
WHEREAS, There is a significant need for further research focusing on the epidemiology of scleroderma to increase understanding of the causes of the disease and its treatment; and
WHEREAS, The United States Congress has recognized the need to raise awareness of the impact of scleroderma on public health and has designated June 2015 as National Scleroderma Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS, The first Systemic Sclerosis World Congress was held in Florence, Italy, where it was officially decided that June 29 would be recognized as World Scleroderma Day; and
WHEREAS, California also should designate a month as Scleroderma Awareness Month to help educate the public about autoimmune diseases and the need for increased research, funding, and effective treatments for those diseases; and
WHEREAS, The designation of such a month would recognize the efforts of health care providers, patients, and scleroderma advocacy organizations to raise awareness of scleroderma and of the need for increased research on scleroderma; and
WHEREAS, June 2015 would be an appropriate month to designate as Scleroderma Awareness Month; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, That the Senate proclaims the month of June 2015 as Scleroderma Awareness Month; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of the resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
Senate Resolution No. 30 read and adopted by the Senate June 1, 2015.
Attest: _______________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
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