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Regular Session, 2014
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 198
BY REPRESENTATIVE WHITNEY
SPECIAL DAY/WEEK/MONTH: Recognizes the month of September as Leukodystrophy
Awareness Month
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON1
To recognize the month of September as Leukodystrophy Awareness Month.2
WHEREAS, leukodystrophy is identified as a rare and terminal disease presenting3
itself in multiple manifestations that attack the central nervous system severely impacting4
physical abilities, mental capacity, and quality of life for hundreds of Louisianans and5
thousands of Americans every year; and6
WHEREAS, the group of rare disorders known as leukodystrophies destroys the7
central nervous system by disrupting the growth and maintenance of myelin, a sheath that8
insulates nerve cells and destroys white matter in the brain; and9
WHEREAS, an estimated two out of ten thousand people from infants to adults in10
their sixth decade of life are impacted every year by one of forty-six categorized and even11
more unidentified forms of leukodystrophy; and12
WHEREAS, research to understand and possibly one day treat these conditions has13
been identified by neurological researchers in Louisiana, the United States, and scientists14
around the globe; and15
WHEREAS, organizations, including but not limited to the Adrenoleukodystrophy16
Foundation, the MLD Foundation, the Stennis Foundation, the Southeast Neuroscience17
Center, and the United Leukodystrophy Foundation, have dedicated their work to public18
education, disease research, and patient treatment; and19
WHEREAS, in 2013, Terrebonne Parish became the first governing body in20
Louisiana to officially recognize by public proclamation the need for awareness and21 HLS 14RS-5141 ORIGINAL
HCR NO. 198
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treatment of this category of diseases, and since then multiple states have added their support1
in fighting this condition.2
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby3
recognize the month of September as Leukodystrophy Awareness Month and encourage the4
citizens of this state to learn about this condition, contribute to efforts in fighting the disease,5
and wear blue as a visual sign of support.6
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Whitney HCR No. 198
Recognizes the month of September as Leukodystrophy Awareness Month.