[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 51 (Wednesday, April 2, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S2363]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    SENATE RESOLUTION 498--DESIGNATING APRIL 8, 2008, AS ``NATIONAL 
                   CUSHING'S SYNDROME AWARENESS DAY''

  Mr. REID submitted the following resolution; which was considered and 
agreed to:

                              S. Res. 498

       Whereas Cushing's Syndrome affects an estimated 10 to 15 
     people per 1,000,000 people annually, most of those affected 
     are between the ages of 20 and 50;
       Whereas Cushing's Syndrome is an endocrine or hormonal 
     disorder caused by the prolonged exposure of the body's 
     tissue to high levels of the hormone cortisol;
       Whereas exposure to cortisol can occur by overproduction of 
     cortisol in the body or by taking glucocorticoid hormones, 
     which are routinely prescribed for asthma, rheumatoid 
     arthritis, and lupus, or as an immunosuppressant following 
     organ transplants;
       Whereas Cushing's Syndrome may also result from pituitary 
     adenomas, ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) 
     syndrome, adrenal tumors, and Familial Cushing's Syndrome;
       Whereas Cushing's Syndrome can cause abnormal weight gain, 
     skin changes, and fatigue and can ultimately lead to 
     diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, osteoporosis, or 
     death;
       Whereas Cushing's Syndrome is diagnosed through a series of 
     tests, often requiring x-ray examinations of adrenal or 
     pituitary glands to locate tumors;
       Whereas many people who suffer from Cushing's Syndrome are 
     misdiagnosed or go undiagnosed for years because many of the 
     symptoms of Cushing's Syndrom are also indications of milder 
     diseases, and those errors in diagnoses delay the 
     implementation of important treatment options;
       Whereas treatments for Cushing's Syndrome include surgery, 
     radiation, chemotherapy, the use of cortisol-inhibiting 
     drugs, and reducing the dosage of glucocorticoid hormones;
       Whereas Cushing's Syndrome was discovered by Dr. Harvey 
     Williams Cushing, who was born on April 8, 1869;
       Whereas the Dr. Harvey Cushing stamp was part of the United 
     States Postal Service's ``Great American'' series of stamps, 
     initiated in 1980 to recognize individuals for making 
     significant contributions to the heritage and culture of the 
     United States;
       Whereas President Ronald Reagan spoke on April 8, 1987, in 
     the Rose Garden at a White House ceremony to unveil the 
     commemorative stamp honoring Dr. Harvey Cushing;
       Whereas, following the ceremony, President Reagan hosted a 
     reception in the State Dining Room for Mrs. John Hay Whitney, 
     Dr. Cushing's daughter, and representatives of the American 
     Association of Neurological Surgeons; and
       Whereas the Senate is an institution that can raise 
     awareness of Cushing's Syndrome in the general public and the 
     medical community: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates April 8, 2008, as ``National Cushing's 
     Syndrome Awareness Day'';
       (2) recognizes that all people in the United States should 
     become more informed and aware of Cushing's Syndrome;
       (3) calls upon the people of the United States to observe 
     the date with appropriate ceremonies and activities; and
       (4) directs the Secretary of the Senate to transmit a copy 
     of this resolution to the Cushing's Understanding, Support, 
     and Help Organization.

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