HR0062LRB100 07360 MST 17424 r


  
1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

  
 
2    WHEREAS, Lymphedema is swelling that occurs in the arms and 
3legs of an individual, often
caused by the removal of, or 
4damage to, lymph nodes as part of a cancer treatment or other

5infection; and
  
 
6    WHEREAS, The factors that increase the risk of lymphedema 
7include cancer treatment, age,
excess weight or obesity, or 
8rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis; and
  
 
9    WHEREAS, Undiagnosed lymphedema can lead to serious 
10complications, such as bacterial
infections of the skin and 
11lymph vessels or lymphangiosarcoma, which is a rare form of 
12soft tissue
cancer that results from severe cases of the 
13disease; and
  
 
14    WHEREAS, Lymphedema cannot be cured, but the symptoms can 
15be managed through a variety
of treatment options, such as 
16exercise, massage, therapy, and compression garments; and
  
 
17    WHEREAS, The necessary compression garments and therapy 
18treatment options can cost
between $200-$3,000 for a patient 
19and are often not covered by insurance plans; and
  
 
20    WHEREAS, Lymphedema is not well-known and is often 
 
 
HR0062- 2 -LRB100 07360 MST 17424 r

1undiagnosed; therefore, be it
  
 
2    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE 
3HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we 
4encourage increased public awareness of lymphedema; and be it 
5further
  
 
6    RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be 
7delivered to the Governor,
the Director of the Department of 
8Public Health, all constitutional officers, and all members
of 
9the General Assembly in order to raise awareness of lymphedema.