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SENATE RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, Thyroid eye disease (TED) is a rare, serious, and |
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progressive autoimmune condition in which the body's immune |
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system mistakenly attacks healthy muscle and fat tissue behind |
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the eye, causing inflammation and scarring; and |
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WHEREAS, People living with TED often experience |
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debilitating symptoms, which may include eye bulging, double |
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vision, blurred vision, pain, and facial disfigurement; the |
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vision loss caused by TED may get worse over time, and in severe |
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cases, blindness can occur; and |
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WHEREAS, TED greatly impacts the quality of life of many |
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patients, who may struggle with working, performing daily |
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activities, and coping with the social, psychological, and |
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financial challenges associated with the disease; and |
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WHEREAS, It is estimated that 16 out of every 100,000 women |
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and nearly 3 out of every 100,000 men will develop TED; although |
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the exact cause of TED is not yet understood, it is known to have |
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a hereditary component, and individuals who have a family member |
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with TED or another autoimmune disease are at greater risk of |
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developing the condition; and |
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WHEREAS, TED Awareness Week was established through a |
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collaboration among advocacy organizations, including the |
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Autoimmune Association; through this important observance, these |
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organizations are working to educate the public about TED in |
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hopes that more patients have access to early treatment that can |
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prevent eye damage, preserve sight, and help them to better |
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manage this life-altering condition; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 87th Texas Legislature, |
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3rd Called Session, hereby recognize November 14 to 20, 2021, as |
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Thyroid Eye Disease Awareness Week and encourage Texans to learn |
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more about the signs and symptoms of TED. |