FIRST REGULAR SESSION

House Concurrent Resolution No. 15

92^ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

0548L.01I

         Whereas, lymphedema is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid that causes swelling in the arms, legs, or other areas of the body and affects both men and women; and

            Whereas, the swelling caused by lymphedema can lead to severe infection or loss of the use of limbs, and patients suffering from lymphedema must endure physical discomfort and disfigurement and cope with the distress caused by these symptoms; and

            Whereas, the single largest group of people who get lymphedema are cancer patients, including breast, prostate, gynecological, head, neck, lung, sarcoma, and melanoma patients; and

            Whereas, recent studies have indicated that twenty percent of breast cancer patients will get lymphedema after surgery and radiation; and

            Whereas, according to the National Cancer Institute, there are a reported eight and a half million Americans living after a diagnosis of cancer, of which about two million are breast cancer survivors; and

            Whereas, no drug or effective surgical treatment for lymphedema currently exists; and

            Whereas, research in all areas of lymphedema has been notably limited; and

            Whereas, lymphedema, which has no cure and can occur at any time, has a severe financial, physical, and psychological impact on patients; and

            Whereas, each year on March 6th, the National Lymphedema Network sponsors Lymphedema D-Day to honor patients and to raise awareness of the treatment and severity of this condition:

            Now, therefore, be it resolved that the members of the House of Representatives of the Ninety-second General Assembly, First Regular Session, the Senate concurring therein, hereby designate March 6th, in 2003 and each subsequent year, as Lymphedema D-Day in Missouri; and

            Be it further resolved that the members of the General Assembly encourage the citizens of the State of Missouri to honor and support the courageous patients living and coping with this debilitating condition; and

            Be it further resolved that this resolution be sent to the Governor for his approval or rejection pursuant to the Missouri Constitution.