[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 73 (Friday, May 14, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S3785]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SENATE RESOLUTION 527--SUPPORTING THE DESIGNATION OF AN APPROPRIATE 
          DATE AS ``NATIONAL CHILDHOOD STROKE AWARENESS DAY''

  Mr. CASEY (for himself and Mr. Chambliss) submitted the following 
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 527

       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
       Resolved, 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.

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