SENATE RESOLUTION 696--DESIGNATING SEPTEMBER 4, 2020, AS ``NATIONAL POLYCYSTIC KIDNEY DISEASE AWARENESS DAY'', AND RAISING AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING OF POLYCYSTIC KIDNEY DISEASE; Congressional Record Vol. 166, No. 159
(Senate - September 15, 2020)
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From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SENATE RESOLUTION 696--DESIGNATING SEPTEMBER 4, 2020, AS ``NATIONAL
POLYCYSTIC KIDNEY DISEASE AWARENESS DAY'', AND RAISING AWARENESS AND
UNDERSTANDING OF POLYCYSTIC KIDNEY DISEASE
Mr. BLUNT (for himself and Mr. Cardin) submitted the following
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:
S. Res. 696
Whereas designating September 4, 2020, as ``National
Polycystic Kidney Disease Awareness Day'' will raise public
awareness and understanding of polycystic kidney disease, one
of the most prevalent genetic kidney disorders, which affects
approximately 500,000 people in the United States;
Whereas National Polycystic Kidney Disease Awareness Day
will help to foster an understanding of the impact polycystic
kidney disease has on individuals and their families;
Whereas polycystic kidney disease is a progressive, genetic
disorder of the kidneys that causes damage to the kidneys and
the cardiovascular, endocrine, hepatic, and gastrointestinal
organ systems;
Whereas polycystic kidney disease affects the health and
finances of individuals, and equally affects individuals of
all ages, races, ethnicities, and sexes;
Whereas, of the individuals diagnosed with polycystic
kidney disease, approximately 10 percent have no family
history of the disease, with the disease developing as a
spontaneous mutation;
Whereas there are very few treatments and no cure for
polycystic kidney disease, which is 1 of the 4 leading causes
of kidney failure in the United States;
Whereas almost 50 percent of individuals with polycystic
kidney disease experience kidney failure by age 60;
Whereas friends, loved ones, spouses, and caregivers of
individuals with polycystic kidney disease can assist with
the challenges created by polycystic kidney disease,
including by helping such individuals maintain a healthy
lifestyle and make regular visits to their health care
providers;
Whereas the severity of the symptoms of polycystic kidney
disease and limited public awareness of the disease may cause
individuals to forego regular visits to their physicians or
avoid following the health recommendations of their doctors,
which experts suggest could help prevent further
complications should kidney failure occur;
Whereas individuals who have chronic, life-threatening
diseases like polycystic kidney disease may experience
depression;
Whereas the PKD Foundation and its more than 35,000 patient
and family advocates around the United States are dedicated
to--
(1) conducting research to find treatments and a cure for
polycystic kidney disease;
(2) fostering public awareness and understanding of
polycystic kidney disease;
(3) educating individuals and their families about the
disease to improve their treatment and care; and
(4) providing support, including by sponsoring the annual
``Walk for PKD'', to raise funds for polycystic kidney
disease research, education, advocacy, and awareness; and
Whereas, on September 4, 2020, the PKD Foundation is
partnering with sister organizations in Canada, Australia,
and other countries to increase international awareness of
polycystic kidney disease: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) designates September 4, 2020, as ``National Polycystic
Kidney Disease Awareness Day'';
(2) supports the goals and ideals of National Polycystic
Kidney Disease Awareness Day to raise public awareness and
understanding of polycystic kidney disease;
(3) recognizes the need for additional research to find a
cure for polycystic kidney disease; and
(4) encourages all people in the United States and
interested groups to support National Polycystic Kidney
Awareness Day through appropriate ceremonies and activities
to promote public awareness of polycystic kidney disease and
to foster an understanding of the impact of the disease on
individuals and their families.
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