Legislation Document

SPONSOR:	Sen. Walsh on behalf of all Senators
Rep. Bentz on behalf of all Representatives

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

150th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 35

RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF JUNE 2019 AS MYASTHENIA GRAVIS AWARENESS MONTH.

WHEREAS, myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular disorder primarily characterized by muscle weakness and muscle fatigue; and

WHEREAS, myasthenia gravis is the most common primary disorder of neuromuscular transmission; and

WHEREAS, myasthenia gravis is caused by an abnormal immune reaction in which the body’s immune defenses inappropriately attack certain receptors in muscles that receive nerve impulses; and

WHEREAS, symptoms of myasthenia gravis include eyelid drooping, double vision, weakness of the face, swallowing, chewing, and weakness of the limbs; and

WHEREAS, severe symptoms of myasthenia gravis include weakness of the diaphragm which can cause severe difficulty breathing, which can lead to myasthenic crisis; and

WHEREAS, myasthenic crisis is a complication of myasthenia gravis characterized by worsening of muscle weakness, resulting in respiratory failure that requires intubation and mechanical ventilation; and

WHEREAS, the prevalence of myasthenia gravis in the United States is estimated at approximately 36,000 to 60,000 cases; and

WHEREAS, myasthenia gravis remains underdiagnosed and the prevalence is probably higher; and

WHEREAS, increasing public awareness of myasthenia gravis and its symptoms is an important element in promoting early detection; and

WHEREAS, the Muscle Movement Foundation has played an integral role in advocating for and supporting those with myasthenia gravis and other neuromuscular diseases; and

WHEREAS, the Muscle Movement Foundation has utilized the phrase “MG can’t stop me” to inspire survivors and raise awareness; and

WHEREAS, the color teal is associated with myasthenia gravis awareness.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 150th General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that the State of Delaware recognizes the month of June 2019 as Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month.