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Regular Session, 2013
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 40
BY REPRESENTATIVE BARROW
A RESOLUTION
To recognize the month of April as Sarcoidosis Awareness Month in Louisiana.
WHEREAS, sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that can affect almost any organ
in the body and causes heightened immunity, which means that a person's immune system,
which normally protects the body from infection and disease, overreacts, resulting in damage
to the body's own tissues; and
WHEREAS, the classic feature of sarcoidosis is the formation of granulomas,
microscopic clumps of inflammatory cells that group together; and
WHEREAS, sarcoidosis can affect people of any age, race, and gender but is most
prevalent among adults between the ages of twenty and forty, in African Americans and
people of European, particularly Scandinavian, descent; and
WHEREAS, the mission of The Sarcoidosis Awareness Foundation of Louisiana is
to educate, to raise awareness, and to raise funds to promote research to find the cause, cure,
and new medications to aid sufferers of sarcoidosis; and
WHEREAS, the foundation provides support to families, friends, and caregivers
through awareness, education, emotional support, and understanding; and
WHEREAS, the foundation also provides mutual sharing of experiences, discussion
of feelings, and sharing of coping strategies and encouragement, and supports research to
find the cure and prevention that will improve the quality of life for those affected by
sarcoidosis; and
WHEREAS, on April 21, 2013, The Sarcoidosis Awareness Foundation of Louisiana
will host "Stepping Out Against Sarcoidosis" featuring Rhonda McCullough, the wife of the
late famed comedian and actor Bernie Mac, whose death was caused by complications from
sarcoidosis; and ENROLLEDHR NO. 40
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WHEREAS, during the entire month of April, the citizens of Louisiana are
encouraged to learn about the causes and effects of sarcoidosis.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby recognize the month of April as Sarcoidosis Awareness
Month in Louisiana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted
to Rodney K. Reese, Founder and CEO of The Sarcoidosis Awareness Foundation of
Louisiana, Inc.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATI VES