2023 House Resolution 93

Whereas, Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease affecting approximately 40,000 children and adults in the United States; and

Whereas, A defective gene causes the body to produce an abnormally thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs. These secretions produce life-threatening lung infections and obstruct the pancreas, preventing digestive enzymes from reaching the intestines to help break down and absorb food; and

Whereas, More than 10 million Americans are symptomless carriers of the defective cystic fibrosis gene. The disease occurs in approximately one out of every 3,500 live births in the United States; and

Whereas, There are close to 1,200 children living in Michigan with the disease. The median age of survival for a person with cystic fibrosis is 56 years; and

Whereas, Infant blood screening to detect genetic defects is the most reliable and least costly method to identify persons likely to have CF. Early diagnosis of cystic fibrosis permits early treatment and enhances quality of life and longevity. The treatment of CF depends on the stage of the disease and the organs involved. A critical component of treating patients with cystic fibrosis includes access to innovative treatments, which can play a critical role in the lives of patients; and

Whereas, Michigan based non-profit advocacy groups such as the Rock CF Foundation, The Bonnell Foundation: Living with cystic fibrosis and Hunt for a Cure raise awareness and funds to assist the CF Community. The CF Foundations local chapter continues to raise much needed funds for research and medications; and

Whereas, Michigan also has eight cystic fibrosis care centers: Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Wayne State University Harper University Hospital, Helen DeVos Women and Children’s Center, Spectrum Health Adult Cystic Fibrosis Care Center, Michigan State University Pediatric, University of Michigan Pediatric and Adult, Hurley Children’s Clinic at Mott Children’s Health Center, and Western Michigan University School of Medicine Clinics. Toledo, Ohio is also home to the Toledo Children’s Hospital and Northwest Ohio Cystic Fibrosis Center which serve Michigan patients as well; and

Whereas, During the month of May, cystic fibrosis chapters and volunteers will come together throughout the state of Michigan to raise awareness about the disease to achieve their mission of curing and providing support and treatment to those with cystic fibrosis; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare May 2023 as Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.