[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 4808]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    SENATE RESOLUTION 423--DESIGNATING APRIL 8, 2006, AS ``NATIONAL 
                   CUSHING'S SYNDROME AWARENESS DAY''

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

                              S. Res. 423

       Whereas Cushing's Syndrome annually affects an estimated 10 
     to 15 people per million, most of whom are currently between 
     the ages of 20 and 50;
       Whereas Cushing's Syndrome is an endocrine or hormonal 
     disorder caused by prolonged exposure of the body's tissue to 
     high levels of the hormone cortisol;
       Whereas exposure to cortisol can occur by overproduction in 
     the body or by taking glucocrticoid hormones, which are 
     routinely prescribed for asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, 
     or as an immunosuppressant following transplantation;
       Whereas the syndrome may also result from pituitary 
     adenomas, ectopic ACTH syndrome, adrenal tumors, and Familial 
     Cushing's Syndrome;
       Whereas Cushing's Syndrome can cause abnormal weight gain, 
     skin changes, and fatigue and ultimately lead to diabetes, 
     high blood pressure, depression, osteoporosis, and 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 are mirrored in milder diseases, thereby delaying 
     important treatment options;
       Whereas treatments for Cushing's Syndrome include surgery, 
     radiation, chemotherapy, 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 8th, 1869;
       Whereas the Dr. Harvey Cushing stamp was part of the United 
     States Postal Service's ``Great American'' series, 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 in the general public and the medical community of 
     Cushing's Syndrome; Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates April 8, 2006, as ``National Cushing's 
     Syndrome Awareness Day'';
       (2) recognizes that all Americans 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 & 
     Help Organization.

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