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Regular Session, 2014
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 198
BY REPRESENTATIVE WHITNEY
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON
To recognize the month of September as Leukodystrophy Awareness Month.
WHEREAS, leukodystrophy is identified as a rare and terminal disease presenting
itself in multiple manifestations that attack the central nervous system severely impacting
physical abilities, mental capacity, and quality of life for hundreds of Louisianans and
thousands of Americans every year; and
WHEREAS, the group of rare disorders known as leukodystrophies destroys the
central nervous system by disrupting the growth and maintenance of myelin, a sheath that
insulates nerve cells and destroys white matter in the brain; and
WHEREAS, an estimated two out of ten thousand people from infants to adults in
their sixth decade of life are impacted every year by one of forty-six categorized and even
more unidentified forms of leukodystrophy; and
WHEREAS, research to understand and possibly one day treat these conditions has
been identified by neurological researchers in Louisiana, the United States, and scientists
around the globe; and
WHEREAS, organizations, including but not limited to the Adrenoleukodystrophy
Foundation, the MLD Foundation, the Stennis Foundation, the Southeast Neuroscience
Center, and the United Leukodystrophy Foundation, have dedicated their work to public
education, disease research, and patient treatment; and
WHEREAS, in 2013, Terrebonne Parish became the first governing body in
Louisiana to officially recognize by public proclamation the need for awareness and
treatment of this category of diseases, and since then multiple states have added their support
in fighting this condition. ENROLLEDHCR NO. 198
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THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
recognize the month of September as Leukodystrophy Awareness Month and encourage the
citizens of this state to learn about this condition, contribute to efforts in fighting the disease,
and wear blue as a visual sign of support.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATI VES
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE