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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Bleeding disorders, including hemophilia and von |
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Willebrand disease, are genetic disorders that prevent the blood of |
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sufferers from clotting properly, leading to debilitating and |
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potentially fatal bleeding episodes; and |
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WHEREAS, About 20,000 people in the United States are |
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estimated to be affected with hemophilia, which results from a |
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missing or deficient protein needed for blood clotting; an X-linked |
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recessive trait, hemophilia is primarily found in males; and |
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WHEREAS, The most common bleeding disorder, von Willebrand |
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disease, also results from a defective blood protein but is |
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typically milder than hemophilia; it is believed to affect up to one |
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percent of the U.S. population, and many individuals, particularly |
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women, go undiagnosed; and |
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WHEREAS, Bleeding disorders can vary greatly in severity, |
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with the most serious cases of hemophilia carrying the risk of |
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excessive bleeding from accidents and surgeries, in addition to |
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long-term damage to organs, tissues, and joints from internal |
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bleeding over time; in recent decades, new medical developments and |
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donor screening measures have greatly improved the safety and |
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effectiveness of treatments such as factor replacement therapy, |
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which can help patients to live normal, healthy lives; and |
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WHEREAS, In 2016, the National Hemophilia Foundation |
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declared March as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month; this |
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initiative is supported by Texas-based groups such as the Texas |
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Bleeding Disorders Coalition, which is encouraging residents to |
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participate in the Red Tie Challenge to help start a conversation |
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about inheritable bleeding disorders and to promote advocacy for |
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people who are living with bleeding disorders all over the world; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, While science and medicine have advanced greatly in |
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the treatment of bleeding disorders, increased public awareness is |
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needed to help ease the heavy financial burden and improve the |
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quality of life of patients, and Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month |
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provides an opportune time to join together in support of these |
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worthy goals; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize March 2017 as Bleeding Disorders |
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Awareness Month and urge all Texans to learn more about these |
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conditions. |