SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 56
WHEREAS, Thyroid eye disease (TED) is a rare, serious, and
progressive autoimmune condition in which the body's immune
system mistakenly attacks healthy muscle and fat tissue behind
the eye, causing inflammation and scarring; and
WHEREAS, People living with TED often experience
debilitating symptoms, which may include eye bulging, double
vision, blurred vision, pain, and facial disfigurement; the
vision loss caused by TED may get worse over time, and in severe
cases, blindness can occur; and
WHEREAS, TED greatly impacts the quality of life of many
patients, who may struggle with working, performing daily
activities, and coping with the social, psychological, and
financial challenges associated with the disease; and
WHEREAS, It is estimated that 16 out of every 100,000 women
and nearly 3 out of every 100,000 men will develop TED; although
the exact cause of TED is not yet understood, it is known to have
a hereditary component, and individuals who have a family member
with TED or another autoimmune disease are at greater risk of
developing the condition; and
WHEREAS, TED Awareness Week was established through a
collaboration among advocacy organizations, including the
Autoimmune Association; through this important observance, these
organizations are working to educate the public about TED in
hopes that more patients have access to early treatment that can
prevent eye damage, preserve sight, and help them to better
manage this life-altering condition; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby recognize November 14 to
20, 2021, as Thyroid Eye Disease Awareness Week and encourage
Texans to learn more about the signs and symptoms of TED.
Buckingham
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on October 8, 2021.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate