TITLE: Recognizing Kalliope Benitez and joining her efforts to raise awareness of Battens CLN5 disease.

SUMMARY: Recognizing Kalliope Benitez and joining her efforts to raise awareness of Battens CLN5 disease.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Kalliope Benitez and to join in efforts to raise awareness of Battens CLN5 disease; and WHEREAS, Kalliope Benitez is a spunky and courageous young citizen who is battling Battens CLN5 disease, a rare inherited disorder of the nervous system; and WHEREAS, Like most individuals diagnosed with this condition, Kalliope developed healthily and flourished alongside her friends and peers through her preschool years; soon after beginning kindergarten, she began losing control of her basic motor functioning, and today, the nine year old depends on the full-time assistance of caregivers to meet her day-to-day needs; and WHEREAS, Battens CLN5 disease is a relatively unknown condition inherited by the mutations of the CLN5 gene in both parents, who typically show no symptoms of the disease; symptoms can begin anytime between childhood and early adulthood, and they usually appear around the age of five; and WHEREAS, Research initially indicated that Battens CLN5 was a disease affecting only the Finnish population, yet further studies have shown that approximately one in 100,000 individuals around the world are affected by the disorder; and WHEREAS, Awareness is key to the knowledge and understanding of Battens CLN5 disease, and continued research will help promote positive outcomes for young citizens like Kalliope Benitez; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby extend sincere best wishes to Kalliope Benitez and to her family and caregivers and urge communities across Texas to raise local awareness about Battens CLN5 disease; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor of Kalliope Benitez. Zaffirini President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on October 13, 2021.