[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 52 (Thursday, May 4, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S4090]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                NATIONAL CHILDHOOD STROKE AWARENESS DAY

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 465, which was submitted 
earlier today.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
  The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 465) expressing the sense of the 
     Senate with respect to childhood stroke and designating May 
     6, 2006, as ``National Childhood Stroke Awareness Day.''

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. President, I rise today to raise awareness about 
childhood stroke. Very little is known about the cause, treatment, and 
prevention of childhood stroke. Only through medical research can 
effective treatment and prevention strategies for childhood stroke be 
identified and developed. The earlier that we are able to diagnose and 
begin treatment for victims of childhood stroke, the better the chances 
are for recovery and a reoccurrence is less likely to happen.
  The need for awareness on this issue was brought to my attention by a 
young man from Norcross, GA, Alan Blinder. In January of 2006, Alan was 
having a normal day at school, as any sophomore in high school would. 
As he was sitting in his fourth period Algebra class, the entire left 
side of his body went numb and he was unable to speak. Alan was 
escorted to the school nurse and she sent him home. That evening Alan's 
mother explained her son's situation to a friend who suggested the 
incident could have been a pediatric stroke. After seeing a physician, 
Alan learned that he had suffered a transient ischemic attack, or a 
mini stroke. These attacks can be ominous warning signs for potential 
future strokes. While Alan was able to receive a diagnosis from a 
specialist, there are thousands of children, adolescents, and parents 
who do not know the signs of this life threatening episode that leaves 
many individuals impaired. Alan was very lucky and I am happy to report 
that he is doing well. Alan is a smart young man who has a very bright 
future ahead of him.
  Each year a stroke occurs in 20 out of every 100,000 newborns. Almost 
3 out of every 106,000 children experience a stroke before the day they 
are born. Of these children who experience a stroke, 12 percent will 
lose their lives as a result. Over half of the children who have a 
pediatric stroke will have serious, long-term neurological 
disabilities, including seizures, speech and vision problems, and 
learning disabilities. The result of a pediatric stroke may require 
ongoing physical therapy and surgeries for years and into their young 
adulthood. The permanent health concerns and treatments resulting from 
childhood stroke can result in a heavy financial and emotional burden 
on both the child and the family.
  It is my hope that greater awareness of the symptoms of childhood 
stroke, I introduce legislation to designate May 6, 2006, as Childhood 
Stroke Awareness Day. I urge the people of the United States to support 
efforts, programs, services, and advocacy of the American Heart 
Association to enhance public awareness of childhood stroke.
  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution 
be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motion to reconsider 
be laid upon the table.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 465) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 465

       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--
       (1) a clot in the artery; or
       (2) 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 26 out of every 100,000 newborns and almost 3 out 
     of every 100,000 children have a stroke each year;
       Whereas an individual can have a stroke before birth;
       Whereas stroke is among the top 10 causes of death for 
     children in the United States;
       Whereas 12 percent of all children who experience a stroke 
     die as a result;
       Whereas the death rate for children who experience a stroke 
     before the age of 1 year is the highest out of all age 
     groups;
       Whereas many children who experience a stroke will suffer 
     serious, long-term neurological disabilities, including--
       (1) hemiplegia, which is paralysis of 1 side of the body;
       (2) seizures;
       (3) speech and vision problems; and
       (4) learning difficulties;
       Whereas those disabilities may require ongoing physical 
     therapy and 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 
     citizens of the United States can identify and develop 
     effective treatment and preventio9n strategies for childhood 
     stroke; and
       Whereas early diagnosis and treatment of childhood stroke 
     greatly improves the chances that the affected child will 
     recover and not experience a recurrence: Now, therefore, be 
     it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates May 6, 2006, 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, 
     including--
       (A) the Children's Hemiplegia and Stroke Association;
       (B) the American Stroke Association, a division of the 
     American Heart Association; and
       (C) the National Stroke Association.

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