RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF MAY 16, 2019
Title
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month (As Revised)
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WHEREAS, National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month has been observed in May since the mid-1990s with the goal of educating, raising funds for research, treatment and a cure; and
WHEREAS, cystic fibrosis is a rare life-threatening genetic disease that affects more than 30,000 people in the United States. There is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis; and
WHEREAS, cystic fibrosis is caused by a defective gene that signals the body to compromise the functions of the lungs, pancreas, and other parts of the body; and
WHEREAS, the progression of the disease creates difficulty with breathing and often results in the contraction of deadly infections; and
WHEREAS, there are currently 13 therapies which have been approved for the treatment of cystic fibrosis. More than 25 therapies are currently being developed and tested; and
WHEREAS, over the past 30 years, the life expectancy of an individual with cystic fibrosis has doubled as a result of research, the development of new and improved medications for treatment, and specialized care; and
WHEREAS, it is estimated that 1 out of every 31 people living in the United States carries the defective gene which causes cystic fibrosis. On average, people with cystic fibrosis live into their 40s; and
WHEREAS, in Illinois, approximately 1,000 people suffer from cystic fibrosis. Of those 1,000, approximately 42% of the children rely on treatment assistance from Medicaid, and approximately 23% of the adults rely upon it; and
WHEREAS, Fanny Vlahos underwent a double lung transplant in May 2012 and as a result has dedicated her life to inspiring others and bringing awareness to the disease of Cystic Fibrosis; and
WHEREAS, the District acknowledges the struggles that people living with cystic fibrosis endure; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, do hereby support the research and development of a cure for cystic fibrosis; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and that a copy of same, suitably engrossed, be presented.
Dated: May 16, 2019