    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    NATIONAL EPILEPSY AWARENESS MONTH--SUPPORT
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    Whereas epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes seizures and
    affects 2,300,000 people in the United States;
    Whereas a seizure is a disturbance in the electrical activity of the
    brain, and 1 in every 12 Americans will suffer at least 1 seizure;
    Whereas 180,000 new cases of seizures and epilepsy are diagnosed each
    year, and 3 percent of Americans will develop epilepsy by the time
    they are 75;
    Whereas 41 percent of people who currently have epilepsy experience
    persistent seizures despite the treatment they are receiving;
    Whereas a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and
    Prevention demonstrated that the hardships imposed by epilepsy are
    comparable to those imposed by cancer, diabetes, and arthritis;
    Whereas epilepsy in older children and adults remains a formidable
    barrier to leading a normal life by affecting education, employment,
    marriage, childbearing, and personal fulfillment;
    Whereas uncontrollable seizures in a child can create multiple problems
    affecting the child's development, education, socialization, and
    daily life activities;
    Whereas the social stigma surrounding epilepsy continues to fuel
    discrimination, and isolates people who suffer from seizure
    disorders from mainstream life;
    Whereas a significant number of people with epilepsy may lack access to
    medical care for the treatment of the disease;
    Whereas in spite of these formidable obstacles, people with epilepsy can
    live healthy and productive lives and make significant contributions
    to society;
    Whereas November is an appropriate month to designate as ``National
    Epilepsy Awareness Month''; and
    Whereas the designation of a ``National Epilepsy Awareness Month'' would
    help to focus attention on, and increase understanding of, epilepsy
    and those people who suffer from it: Now, therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring),
    That Congress--
    (1) supports the goals and ideals of a ``National Epilepsy
    Awareness Month'';
    (2) requests the President to issue a proclamation declaring
    a ``National Epilepsy Awareness Month'';
    (3) calls upon the American people to observe ``National
    Epilepsy Awareness Month'' with appropriate programs and
    activities; and
    (4) urges support for epilepsy research programs at the
    National Institutes of Health and at the Centers for Disease
    Control and Prevention.

    Agreed to November 19, 2003.

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    117 STAT. 2964