H.C.R. No. 136
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
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 malformation through
education, awareness, and research; and
WHEREAS, Affecting more than 300,000 people in the United
States, Chiari malformation is a serious neurological disorder that
occurs when the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls
balance, 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 severe head and neck pain, trouble swallowing,
balance problems, sleep apnea, muscle weakness, blurred or double
vision, and vertigo; and
WHEREAS, It is estimated that Chiari occurs in approximately
1 in 1,000 births nationwide, but some individuals who are born with
the condition may not show symptoms until adolescence or adulthood,
if at all; many patients undergo brain surgery in an attempt to keep
symptoms from progressing, but surgery is not always successful;
and
WHEREAS, To date, the cause of Chiari malformation is still
unknown, and scientists are investigating whether the disease is a
congenital or genetic condition; the National Institute of
Neurological Disorders and Stroke, which is part of the National
Institutes of Health, is conducting research to better understand
the disease and to create improved treatment and prevention plans;
and
WHEREAS, While doctors and patients work to learn more about
Chiari malformation, Conquer Chiari is advocating for increased
public awareness of the disease and its consequences; a nonprofit
organization, Conquer Chiari aids the medical community and
maintains a website offering those affected the most comprehensive
source of information available; in addition, the group holds
annual fund-raising walks in various locations across the country;
this year, 44 states are hosting Conquer Chiari Walk Across America
events at 88 sites on September 19, 2015, and six cities in Texas
are among them: Amarillo, Beaumont, Burkburnett, Round Rock, San
Antonio, and Dallas-Fort Worth; and
WHEREAS, Conquer Chiari is helping to educate people about
this disorder while 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 84th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby honor Conquer Chiari for its efforts in behalf of those with
Chiari malformation and encourage all Texans to learn more about
this serious health issue; 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 and Senate.
Smithee
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I certify that H.C.R. No. 136 was adopted by the House on May
28, 2015, by the following vote: Yeas 144, Nays 0, 2 present, not
voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
I certify that H.C.R. No. 136 was adopted by the Senate on May
29, 2015, by a viva-voce vote.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
APPROVED: __________________
Date
__________________
Governor