SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 45

	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to 
recognize the Myositis Association of America and to proclaim 
September 21, 2003, Myositis Day in Texas; and
	WHEREAS, Myositis is a rare, chronic, autoimmune disease 
that triggers the inflammation and degeneration of skeletal 
muscle tissues; the inflammatory cells surround, invade, and 
destroy normal muscle fibers as though they were defective or 
foreign to the body; and
	WHEREAS, Myositis can be a debilitating and sometimes 
fatal disease; the inflammatory myopathies, or myositis, include 
dermatomyositis, polymyositis, juvenile myositis, and inclusion 
body myositis; and
	WHEREAS, The Myositis Association of America is a 
nonprofit corporation organized to improve the lives of those 
affected by inflammatory myopathies; the association is a support
network for patients and doctors and is a source of funding for 
research into the cure and prevention of the various forms of 
myositis; and
	WHEREAS, It is estimated that there are about 30,000 to 
50,000 cases of myositis in the United States, and though there 
is no known cure for myositis, early diagnosis and treatment are 
important with all forms of this disease; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
78th Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby commend the 
Myositis Association of America for its fine work on behalf of 
those suffering from myositis and encourage all Texans to observe 
September 21, 2003, as Myositis Day in Texas; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
the Myositis Association of America as an expression of high 
regard from the Texas Senate.
                                                                         Jackson




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on July 10, 2003.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate