04-R 304

2004 -- S 3158

Enacted 06/02/04

S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING MAY 15, 2004 THROUGH JUNE 15, 2004 AS TOURETTE SYNDROME

AWARENESS MONTH

Introduced By: Senator J Montalbano

Date Introduced: June 02, 2004

     WHEREAS, Good health is a key component of a long, productive and fulfilling life.

Supporting observances that raise awareness about serious neurological disorders, such as

Tourette Syndrome (TS), offer individuals with Tourette Syndrome and their families an

opportunity to educate the public about this disorder, and to advocate for all the needs of children

and families who live with Tourette Syndrome; and

     WHEREAS, Tourette Syndrome is an inherited neurological disorder, characterized by

involuntary and sudden movements and repeated vocal sounds, called "tics". TS can strike

people of all ethnic and racial backgrounds, with males affected three to four times more often

than females; and

     WHEREAS, Approximately 200,000 people in the United States have been diagnosed

with TS, and due to a lack of information and understanding abut the disorder, many thousands

more remain undiagnosed. This lack of public awareness has also increased the social stigma

attached to TS; and

     WHEREAS, Tourette Syndrome typically begins in childhood, with symptoms generally

appearing before the age of 10, and sometimes requires lifelong treatment. Early diagnosis and

treatment of TS can prevent physical and psychological harm; and

     WHEREAS, There is no known cure for Tourette Syndrome and treatment involves

multiple medications and therapies, with costs that can be prohibitive; and

     WHEREAS, It is important to increase awareness, understanding and support for

individuals and families affected by TS; it is likewise fitting to recognize individuals and

organizations that are committed to promoting education and awareness about TS among the

healthcare community, educational institutions and the general public; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby proclaims May 15, 2004 through June 15, 2004 as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month;

and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this Senate acknowledges the volunteer contributions of the Tourette

Syndrome Association of Rhode Island's Board of Directors, who give freely of their time and

expertise to advance the well being of individuals and families with TS through education,

awareness and advocacy initiatives; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this Senate applauds the volunteer contributions of the youth mentors

who have given freely of their time to make a positive impact on the lives of youth support group

members with TS. With their commitment, these peer mentors have become positive role models

for other teens in regard to accepting others with differences and challenges; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this Senate recognizes and supports the joint efforts of community

leaders such as the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket, who with the Tourette Syndrome

Association of Rhode Island, will join forces to raise youth awareness of TS through the Play-A-

Thon on June 5, 2004 at the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of the State be and he hereby is authorized and directed

to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the National Tourette Syndrome Association,

the Tourette Syndrome Association of Rhode Island and the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket,

One Moeller Place, Pawtucket.

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LC03539

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