TITLE: Honoring Conquer Chiari for its efforts in behalf of those with Chiari and syringomyelia.

SUMMARY: Honoring Conquer Chiari for its efforts in behalf of those with Chiari and syringomyelia.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The C&S Patient Education Foundation, also known as Conquer Chiari, is dedicated to improving the experiences and outcomes of those suffering from Chiari and syringomyelia through education, awareness, and research; and WHEREAS, Chiari Malformation is a serious neurological disorder that occurs when the bottom part of the brain, the cerebellum, descends out of the skull and crowds the spinal cord; this puts pressure on both the brain and the spine and disrupts the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid, causing a wide variety of symptoms, including headaches, neck pain, balance problems, trouble breathing, numbness, and chronic pain; one large study showed that the vast majority of Chiari patients suffer from at least five symptoms; and WHEREAS, Affecting more than 300,000 people in the United States, Chiari can strike both adults and children; many patients undergo brain surgery in an attempt to keep symptoms from progressing, but surgery is not always successful; and WHEREAS, Syringomyelia is a related disorder in which a fluid-filled cyst, or syrinx, develops inside the spinal cord, sometimes stretching nerve tissue and resulting in permanent nerve damage and paralysis; while syringomyelia can occur after a spinal cord injury or other traumatic incident, it is most commonly caused by Chiari, and one analysis estimated that the disorder affects between 100,000 and 200,000 Americans; and WHEREAS, To date there has been very little research done to answer fundamental questions about Chiari and syringomyelia, and medical experts still disagree about underlying causes, diagnoses, and treatment options; however, Conquer Chiari is working to change this by advocating for increased awareness of Chiari and its consequences; and WHEREAS, The nonprofit organization aids the medical community and maintains a website offering sufferers the most comprehensive source of information available about Chiari and related topics; in addition, Conquer Chiari holds annual fund-raising walks in various locations across the country, with the next walks scheduled for Texas in Plano, Cibolo, and Houston in 2011; and WHEREAS, The notable contributions of Conquer Chiari are helping to educate people about these disorders and are providing invaluable support to those facing diagnosis and treatment, and the organization and its admirable goals are indeed worthy of commendation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby honor Conquer Chiari for its efforts in behalf of those with Chiari and syringomyelia and encourage all Texans to learn more about these serious health issues; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Conquer Chiari as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Madden Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1179 was adopted by the House on April 14, 2011, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House