82R18144 MGR-D
By: Madden H.R. No. 1179
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The C&S Patient Education Foundation, also known as
Conquer Chiari, is dedicated to improving the experiences and
outcomes of those suffering from Chiari and syringomyelia through
education, awareness, and research; and
WHEREAS, Chiari Malformation is a serious neurological
disorder that occurs when the bottom part of the brain, the
cerebellum, descends out of the skull and crowds the spinal cord;
this puts pressure on both the brain and the spine and disrupts the
normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid, causing a wide variety of
symptoms, including headaches, neck pain, balance problems,
trouble breathing, numbness, and chronic pain; one large study
showed that the vast majority of Chiari patients suffer from at
least five symptoms; and
WHEREAS, Affecting more than 300,000 people in the United
States, Chiari can strike both adults and children; many patients
undergo brain surgery in an attempt to keep symptoms from
progressing, but surgery is not always successful; and
WHEREAS, Syringomyelia is a related disorder in which a
fluid-filled cyst, or syrinx, develops inside the spinal cord,
sometimes stretching nerve tissue and resulting in permanent nerve
damage and paralysis; while syringomyelia can occur after a spinal
cord injury or other traumatic incident, it is most commonly caused
by Chiari, and one analysis estimated that the disorder affects
between 100,000 and 200,000 Americans; and
WHEREAS, To date there has been very little research done to
answer fundamental questions about Chiari and syringomyelia, and
medical experts still disagree about underlying causes, diagnoses,
and treatment options; however, Conquer Chiari is working to change
this by advocating for increased awareness of Chiari and its
consequences; and
WHEREAS, The nonprofit organization aids the medical
community and maintains a website offering sufferers the most
comprehensive source of information available about Chiari and
related topics; in addition, Conquer Chiari holds annual
fund-raising walks in various locations across the country, with
the next walks scheduled for Texas in Plano, Cibolo, and Houston in
2011; and
WHEREAS, The notable contributions of Conquer Chiari are
helping to educate people about these disorders and are providing
invaluable support to those facing diagnosis and treatment, and the
organization and its admirable goals are indeed worthy of
commendation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby honor Conquer Chiari for its efforts in behalf
of those with Chiari and syringomyelia and encourage all Texans to
learn more about these serious health issues; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Conquer Chiari as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.