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JOINT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING APRIL 2019 AS SARCOIDOSIS AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS, sarcoidosis is a potentially debilitating and deadly multiorgan inflammatory disease that is estimated to affect 200,000 people in the United States; and
WHEREAS,  the signs and symptoms of sarcoidosis vary widely depending on the person and organs affected and can include debilitating fatigue; shortness of breath; difficulties with balance and coordination; irregular heartbeat; visual problems, including blindness; pain affecting joints and muscles; weakness or numbness of limbs; skin rash and discoloration; mood disorders such as depression and anxiety; organ failure; and sleep difficulties; and
WHEREAS,  sarcoidosis can affect anyone but is most common among adults between the ages of 20 and 40, with a higher incidence among African Americans; and
WHEREAS,  research suggests the cause of sarcoidosis is a combination of genetic and environmental factors, but the exact cause and progression of the disease is still unknown; and
WHEREAS,  sarcoidosis is a diagnosis of exclusion as there is no objective test, biomarker, known cause or cure; and
WHEREAS,  volunteers, researchers, caregivers and medical professionals are working to improve the quality of life and prognosis of persons living with sarcoidosis and their families; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That We, the Members of the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Legislature now assembled in the First Regular Session, on behalf of the people we represent, take this opportunity to recognize April 2019 as Sarcoidosis Awareness Month.