Bill Text: NJ SJR83 | 2014-2015 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Designates September 1 of each year "Lily Dryden Day" in New Jersey.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2015-06-11 - Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee [SJR83 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2014-SJR83-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Senator FRED H. MADDEN, JR.
District 4 (Camden and Gloucester)
SYNOPSIS
Designates September 1 of each year "Lily Dryden Day" in New Jersey.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution permanently designating September 1 as "Lily Dryden Day" in New Jersey.
Whereas, Immune Thrombocytopenia, or ITP, is an autoimmune disease in which the body mounts an immune attack against itself resulting in the destruction of platelets and, in some cases, impaired platelet production; and
Whereas, Symptoms of ITP include bruises or small purple patches on the skin, spontaneous bleeding in mucus membranes throughout the body, including in the gastrointestinal tract and the brain, fatigue, and depression; and
Whereas, Treatments for ITP vary depending on the severity of symptoms, age, lifestyle, and other associated diseases. Many adults choose not to treat the disease and most children improve whether or not treatment is given; and
Whereas, Chronic ITP and other platelet function disorders are relatively common and affect men and women of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds; and
Whereas, It is estimated that more than 120,000 Americans suffer from ITP and the prevalence of the disease in the United States is 10 times more than hemophilia; and
Whereas, About four in every 100,000 children develop ITP each year, usually young children and young adults, and it is more common in girls than boys; and
Whereas, ITP in children is often considered a different disease than ITP in adults because children usually recover more quickly. Adolescents with ITP, however, are more likely to suffer with the disease for a longer period of time than adults; and
Whereas, Lily Dryden, a New Jersey preschooler suffering from ITP, was recently honored by her classmates at The Goddard School with a day of fundraising to bring awareness to the disease; and
Whereas, Classmates and their families who donated during "Lily Day" received ITP awareness bracelets, pens, purple lollipops, and information about the disease and the Platelet Disorder Support Association (PDSA), the largest ITP patient support organization in the United States; and
Whereas, The month of September has been designated as "National ITP Awareness Month" in the United States to raise public awareness of ITP and other platelet function disorders, recognize those suffering with ITP, encourage research about ITP and other similar diseases, and promote the PDSA and its work in providing support to, and advocating for, ITP sufferers and their families; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. September 1st of each year is designated as "Lily Dryden Day" in New Jersey to begin the observance of "National ITP Awareness Month," raise public awareness of ITP and other platelet function disorders, recognize those suffering with ITP, encourage research about ITP and other similar diseases, and promote the PDSA and its work in providing support to, and advocating for, ITP sufferers and their families.
2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing September 1st as "Lily Dryden Day" in New Jersey and calling upon public officials, the citizens of the State, and other interested groups to observe the day with appropriate activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This joint resolution permanently designates September 1st as "Lily Dryden Day" in New Jersey to raise public awareness of ITP and other platelet function disorders, recognize those suffering with ITP, encourage research about ITP and other similar diseases, and promote the Platelet Disorder Support Association and its work in providing support to, and advocating for, ITP sufferers and their families.
The month of September has been designated as "National ITP Awareness Month" in the United States and "Lily Dryden Day" would begin the month's observance in New Jersey.
