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CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, The C&S Patient Education Foundation, also known as |
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Conquer Chiari, is dedicated to improving the experiences and |
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outcomes of those suffering from Chiari malformation through |
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education, awareness, and research; and |
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WHEREAS, Affecting more than 300,000 people in the United |
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States, Chiari malformation is a serious neurological disorder that |
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occurs when the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls |
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balance, descends out of the skull and crowds the spinal cord; this |
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puts pressure on both the brain and the spine and disrupts the |
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normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid, causing a wide variety of |
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symptoms, including severe head and neck pain, trouble swallowing, |
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balance problems, sleep apnea, muscle weakness, blurred or double |
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vision, and vertigo; and |
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WHEREAS, It is estimated that Chiari occurs in approximately |
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1 in 1,000 births nationwide, but some individuals who are born with |
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the condition may not show symptoms until adolescence or adulthood, |
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if at all; many patients undergo brain surgery in an attempt to keep |
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symptoms from progressing, but surgery is not always successful; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, To date, the cause of Chiari malformation is still |
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unknown, and scientists are investigating whether the disease is a |
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congenital or genetic condition; the National Institute of |
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Neurological Disorders and Stroke, which is part of the National |
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Institutes of Health, is conducting research to better understand |
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the disease and to create improved treatment and prevention plans; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, While doctors and patients work to learn more about |
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Chiari malformation, Conquer Chiari is advocating for increased |
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public awareness of the disease and its consequences; a nonprofit |
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organization, Conquer Chiari aids the medical community and |
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maintains a website offering those affected the most comprehensive |
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source of information available; in addition, the group holds |
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annual fund-raising walks in various locations across the country; |
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this year, 44 states are hosting Conquer Chiari Walk Across America |
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events at 88 sites on September 19, 2015, and six cities in Texas |
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are among them: Amarillo, Beaumont, Burkburnett, Round Rock, San |
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Antonio, and Dallas-Fort Worth; and |
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WHEREAS, Conquer Chiari is helping to educate people about |
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this disorder while providing invaluable support to those facing |
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diagnosis and treatment, and the organization and its admirable |
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goals are indeed worthy of commendation; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the 84th Legislature of the State of Texas |
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hereby honor Conquer Chiari for its efforts in behalf of those with |
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Chiari malformation and encourage all Texans to learn more about |
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this serious health issue; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for Conquer Chiari as an expression of high regard by the |
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Texas House of Representatives and Senate. |