WHEREAS, Stroke occurs at a rate of one in 4,000 births each year and six in 100,000 children per year, with twelve percent of children dying due to a stroke; and

WHEREAS, Over half of the children who suffer a stroke will have serious, long-term neurological disabilities, including hemiplegia (Paralysis of one side of the body), seizures, speech and vision problems, and learning difficulties; and

WHEREAS, Treatment of these children will often entail multiple surgeries and ongoing physical therapy; and

WHEREAS, The long-term health concerns and treatments resulting from Childhood Stroke result in a heavy financial and emotional toll on child, family, and society; and

WHEREAS, Very little is known about the cause, treatment, and prevention of Childhood Stroke; only through medical research can effective treatment and prevention strategies for pediatric stroke be identified and developed; and

WHEREAS, Early diagnosis and treatment of Childhood Stroke may improve chances for recovery and prevent recurrence, such diagnosis will be facilitated by greater awareness of Childhood Stroke; and

WHEREAS, Several states have recognized May 4, 2002, as "Childhood Stroke Awareness Day"; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby proclaims "May 4, 2002" as Childhood Stroke Awareness Day in the State of Rhode Island; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this Senate recognizes and urges all Citizens and entities of this state to support the efforts, programs, services and advocacy provided by the Children's Hemiplegia and Stroke Association as this organization strives to increase public awareness of Childhood Stroke; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he is hereby authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Rhode Island Department of Health and the Children's Hemiplegia and Stroke Association.