Reps. Hardman, Richardville, Clack, Hunter, Stallworth, Smith, Tobocman, Cheeks, Wojno, Accavitti, Williams, Condino, Gaffney, Minore, Jamnick, Waters, Hood, Vagnozzi, Sak, Phillips, Dennis, O'Neil, Spade, Bieda, Caul, DeRossett, Garfield, Gieleghem, Gleason, Hopgood, Ruth Johnson, Kolb, Pappageorge and Zelenko offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 275.

A resolution recognizing September 24, 2004, as National Sarcoidosis Awareness Day in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, Sarcoidosis is an autoimmune systemic disease, with no known cause or cure, that can affect any part of the body; and

Whereas, Sarcoidosis affects between 20 to 50 of every 100,000 individuals in the United States; and

Whereas, Most victims of sarcoidosis range in age between 20 to 40 years, with African Americans affected at least 10 times more often than any other ethnic group in the United States; and

Whereas, Between 10 to 20 percent of individuals stricken with sarcoidosis eventually develop serious disabling conditions caused by damage to vital organs, such as the lungs, heart, and central nervous system; and

Whereas, Sarcoidosis is an enigma in the realm of medicine requiring extensive and ongoing study and research to develop an effective treatment and eventually a cure; and

Whereas, In the United States individuals with sarcoidosis and their family members are seeking treatment and support services to assist in controlling the effects of sarcoidosis; and

Whereas, Grassroots support groups and nonprofit organizations are forming across the United States to encourage public awareness of sarcoidosis; and

Whereas, The establishment of a National Sarcoidosis Awareness Day on September 24, 2004, would encourage public education on sarcoidosis and support research for better treatment options and a cure; and

Whereas, The state of Michigan has a responsibility to lead a nationwide effort to find a cure for sarcoidosis; and

Whereas, The state of Michigan should take the lead on research into the causes of sarcoidosis and make it a greater priority to provide the public with more information about potential treatments for individuals with this life-threatening ailment; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body recognize September 24, 2004, as National Sarcoidosis Awareness Day in the state of Michigan.