III 111th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 527 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 14, 2010 Mr. Casey (for himself and Mr. Chambliss) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Supporting the designation of an appropriate date as National Childhood Stroke Awareness Day.

Whereas a stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident, is an acute neurologic injury that occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted by a clot in the artery or a burst of the artery; Whereas a stroke is a medical emergency that can cause permanent neurologic damage or even death if not promptly diagnosed and treated; Whereas 1 out of every 4,000 live births, and 11 out of every 100,000 children overall, have a stroke each year; Whereas an individual can have a stroke before birth; Whereas a stroke is among the top 10 causes of death for children in the United States; Whereas 20 to 40 percent of children who experience a stroke die as a result; Whereas stroke may recur in 20 percent of children; Whereas the average time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis of a child having had a stroke is 72 hours; Whereas no medication has been Federally approved for pediatric stroke treatment; Whereas many children who experience a stroke will suffer serious, long-term neurological disabilities, including hemiplegia (which is paralysis of 1 side of the body) seizures, speech and vision problems, and learning difficulties; Whereas such disabilities may require ongoing physical, occupational, and speech therapies, as well as surgeries; Whereas the permanent health concerns and treatments resulting from strokes that occur during childhood and young adulthood have a considerable impact on children, families, and society; Whereas very little is known about the cause, treatment, and prevention of childhood stroke; Whereas medical research is the only means by which the people of the United States can identify and develop effective treatment and prevention strategies for childhood stroke; Whereas early diagnosis and treatment of childhood stroke greatly improves the chances that the affected child will recover and not experience a recurrence; and Whereas the Pediatric Stroke Network, Inc. should be commended for being the first online support group for families affected by pediatric stroke to be registered with the American Heart Association and for the ongoing legislative and awareness endeavors of the group: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1)supports the designation of an appropriate date as National Childhood Stroke Awareness Day; and (2)urges the people of the United States to support the efforts, programs, services, and advocacy of organizations that work to enhance public awareness of childhood stroke.