III 

109TH CONGRESS 

2D SESSION S. RES. 423 

Designating April 8, 2006, as ‘‘National Cushing’s Syndrome Awareness 

Day’’. 

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 

APRIL 4, 2006 

Mr. INHOFE (for himself and Mr. COBURN) submitted the following resolution; 

which was considered and agreed to 

RESOLUTION 

Designating April 8, 2006, as ‘‘National Cushing’s Syndrome 

Awareness Day’’. 

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 glucocorticoid hormones, which are 

routinely prescribed for asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, 

lupus, or as an immunosuppressant following transplantation; 


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•SRES 423 ATS

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 8, 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 


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•SRES 423 ATS

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 

1 Resolved, That the Senate— 

2 (1) designates April 8, 2006, as ‘‘National 

3 Cushing’s Syndrome Awareness Day’’; 

4 (2) recognizes that all Americans should be5 come more informed and aware of Cushing’s Syn6 drome; 

7 (3) calls upon the people of the United States 

8 to observe the date with appropriate ceremonies and 

9 activities; and 

10 (4) directs the Secretary of the Senate to trans11 mit a copy of this resolution to the Cushing’s Under12 standing, Support & Help Organization. 

Æ 


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