H*3970 Concurrent Resolution, By Lourie
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO PROCLAIM MAY 23, 2001, AS JUVENILE DIABETES
 AWARENESS DAY IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANCE
 OF JUVENILE DIABETES AWARENESS AND THE EFFORTS TO HELP PREVENT AND CURE THIS
 DISEASE.

   04/19/01  House  Introduced, adopted, sent to Senate HJ-18
   04/24/01  Senate Introduced SJ-21
   04/24/01  Senate Referred to Committee on Medical Affairs SJ-21
   05/09/01  Senate Committee report: Favorable Medical Affairs SJ-28
   05/14/01  Senate Adopted, returned to House with concurrence SJ-28

May 9, 2001

    H. 3970

S. Printed 5/9/01--S.    [SEC 5/10/01 3:52 PM]

Read the first time April 24, 2001.

    To whom was referred a Concurrent Resolution (H. 3970) to proclaim May 23, 2001, as Juvenile Diabetes Awareness Day in the State of South Carolina and to recognize the importance of juvenile diabetes awareness and the efforts to help prevent, etc., respectfully

    That they have duly and carefully considered the same and recommend that the same do pass:

HARVEY S. PEELER, JR. for Committee.

TO PROCLAIM MAY 23, 2001, AS JUVENILE DIABETES AWARENESS DAY IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF JUVENILE DIABETES AWARENESS AND THE EFFORTS TO HELP PREVENT AND CURE THIS DISEASE.

Whereas, the members of the General Assembly are happy to proclaim May 23, 2001, as Juvenile Diabetes Awareness Day in order to promote the efforts of many organizations which help raise money in hopes of preventing and curing juvenile diabetes and also help educate the public about the symptoms and effects the disease has on those afflicted; and

Whereas, more than one million Americans have Type 1 (juvenile) diabetes, a disease which strikes children suddenly, makes them insulin dependent for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications. In Type 1 diabetes, a person's pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone necessary to sustain life. Although the causes are not entirely known, scientists believe the body's own immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas; and

Whereas, it is one of the most costly, chronic diseases of childhood and one children never outgrow. Even with insulin, Type 1 diabetes usually results in a drastic reduction in quality of life and shortens the average lifespan by fifteen years. It can and does strike adults as well; and

Whereas, working through research is the only way a cure will be found. Insulin is not a cure for diabetes nor does it prevent its eventual and devastating effects, such as kidney failure, blindness, nerve damage, amputation, heart attack, and stroke. Researchers are closing in on finding a cure for juvenile diabetes, and this progress could help scientists find a cure for other autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus; and

Whereas, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International (JDRF) is the world's leading nonprofit, nongovernmental funder of diabetes research and is the only major diabetes organization focused exclusively on research. In fiscal year 2000, JDRF allocated eighty-five cents of every dollar directly to research and education about research. Only eight cents of every dollar went to fundraising and seven cents to administrative costs. The American Institute of Philanthropy gave JDRF an "A" rating, the only such rating for any national diabetes organization; and

Whereas, since its inception, JDRF has provided more than four hundred ten million dollars to diabetes research worldwide. In 2001 alone, JDRF will spend one hundred twenty million dollars toward their three broad goals of restoring normal blood glucose, preventing and reversing diabetes-related complications, and preventing diabetes and its recurrence; and

Whereas, the members of the General Assembly find the issue of juvenile diabetes of great concern to the welfare of our State and appreciate and commend the actions of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, proclaim May 23, 2001, as Juvenile Diabetes Awareness Day in the State of South Carolina and recognize the importance of juvenile diabetes awareness and the efforts to help prevent and cure this disease.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Palmetto Chapter of Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International.