Share:
Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | October 15, 2019 10:21 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Judy Ward and Sen. Doug Mastriano |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | World Duchenne Awareness Day – September 7, 2019 |
We plan to introduce a resolution recognizing September 7, 2019, as “World Duchenne Awareness Day” in Pennsylvania. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne) is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood, affecting approximately one in every 5,000 live male births each year. Because the Duchenne gene is found on the X-chromosome, it primarily affects boys; however, it occurs across all races and cultures. Duchenne results in progressive loss of strength and is caused by a mutation in the gene that encodes for dystrophin. Because dystrophin is absent, the muscle cells are easily damaged. The progressive muscle weakness leads to serious medical problems, particularly issues relating to the heart and lungs. People with Duchenne typically live into their late twenties. Duchenne can be passed from parent to child, but approximately 35% of cases occur because of a random spontaneous mutation. In other words, it can affect anyone. Although there are medical treatments that may help slow its progression, there is currently no cure for Duchenne. Please join us in co-sponsoring this resolution to promote awareness of this rare disease. |
Introduced as SR249
Memo Updated: October 15, 2019 10:23 AM