2013 Senate Joint Resolution 29
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: proclaiming May 22, 2013, as Pediatric Stroke Awareness Day.
Whereas, a stroke, also known as a "cerebrovascular accident," is an acute neurological injury that occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted by a clot in the artery or a bursting of the artery; and
Whereas, a stroke is a medical emergency that can cause permanent neurological damage or even death if not promptly diagnosed and treated; and
Whereas, the risk of stroke in children is greatest in the first year of life, particularly in the first month of life, when neonatal stroke occurs in about one of every 4,000 live births; and
Whereas, a baby can have a stroke before birth; and
Whereas, nearly 11 out of every 100,000 children have a stroke each year; and
Whereas, stroke is among the top ten causes of death for children in the United States; and
Whereas, up to 25 percent of all children who experience a stroke die as a result; and
Whereas, stroke recurs in 20 percent of children who have experienced a prior stroke; and
Whereas, the death rate for children who experience a stroke before the age of one year is the highest out of all age groups; and
Whereas, more than half of children who experience a stroke will suffer serious, long-term neurological disabilities, including hemiplegia, which is paralysis of one side of the body; seizures; speech and vision problems; and learning difficulties; and
Whereas, those disabilities may require lifelong physical, occupational, and speech therapies, and surgeries; and
Whereas, the permanent health concerns and treatments resulting from strokes that occur during childhood and young adulthood have a considerable impact on children, families, and society; and
Whereas, very little is known about the cause, treatment, and prevention of pediatric stroke; and
Whereas, medical research is the only means by which the citizens of the United States can identify and develop effective treatment and prevention strategies for childhood stroke; and
Whereas, early diagnosis and treatment of pediatric stroke greatly improves the chances that the affected child will recover and not experience a recurrence; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That the legislature designates May 22, 2013, as "Pediatric Stroke Awareness Day" and urges the people of Wisconsin to support the efforts, programs, services, and advocacy of organizations that work to enhance public and clinical awareness of prenatal, neonatal, and childhood stroke.
