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Cushing's Awareness Day...

For Immediate Release:

April 6, 2006

INHOFE DESIGNATES ‘NATIONAL CUSHING’S SYNDROME AWARENESS DAY'

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator James M. Inhofe (R-Okla.) is proud to announce the designation of April 8, 2006 as “National Cushing’s Syndrome Awareness Day.” Inhofe’s resolution (S. Res. 423) creating the designation passed the Senate by unanimous consent. Inhofe introduced this resolution to broaden public awareness and show his continued support for those suffering from this disease.

“My desire is to see my Oklahoma constituents and all Americans receive the best possible health care,” Inhofe stated. “Cushing’s syndrome often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, many times leading to death, because the initial symptoms are shared with a number of milder ailments. Since awareness of the syndrome is low, doctors do not always run the tests necessary for diagnosis, and patients do not know to ask for them. It is my hope that ‘National Cushing’s Syndrome Awareness Day’ will help Okies and everyone suffering with this disease to receive better health care.”

Cushing’s Syndrome is an endocrine or hormonal disorder. It is caused by over-exposure of the body’s tissue to high levels of hormone cortisol. An estimated 10 to 15 people per million suffer from this debilitating disease. Common symptoms include abnormal weight gain, skin changes, fatigue, diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression.

Over production of cortisol is commonly associated with the treatment of asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. Additionally, delayed treatment of Cushing’s Syndrome significantly reduces treatment options, such as radiation therapy. Thus, it is imperative that both doctors and patients heighten their awareness of Cushing’s Syndrome.

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April 8, 2006, the Cushing's Understanding, Support & Help Organization (CUSH) petitioned in the USA to have April 8 be declared as Cushing's Awareness Day. This date was chosen because it was Dr. Harvey Cushing's Birthday. More info here

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The Cushing's Awareness Day Proclamation, from http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c109:S.RES.423:

Designating April 8, 2006, as `National Cushing's Syndrome Awareness Day'. (Agreed to by Senate)

SRES 423 ATS

109th CONGRESS

2d Session

S. RES. 423

Designating April 8, 2006, as `National Cushing's Syndrome Awareness Day'.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

April 4, 2006

Mr. INHOFE (for himself and Mr. COBURN) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to
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RESOLUTION Designating April 8, 2006, as `National Cushing's Syndrome Awareness Day'.

Whereas Cushing's Syndrome annually affects an estimated 10 to 15 people per million, most of whom are currently between the ages of 20 and 50;

Whereas Cushing's Syndrome is an endocrine or hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure of the body's tissue to high levels of the hormone cortisol;

Whereas exposure to cortisol can occur by overproduction in the body or by taking glucocorticoid hormones, which are routinely prescribed for asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or as an immunosuppressant following transplantation;

Whereas the syndrome may also result from pituitary adenomas, ectopic ACTH syndrome, adrenal tumors, and Familial Cushing's Syndrome; Whereas Cushing's Syndrome can cause abnormal weight gain, skin changes, and fatigue and ultimately lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, osteoporosis, and death;

Whereas Cushing's Syndrome is diagnosed through a series of tests, often requiring x-ray examinations of adrenal or pituitary glands to locate tumors;

Whereas many people who suffer from Cushing's Syndrome are misdiagnosed or go undiagnosed for years because many of the symptoms are mirrored in milder diseases, thereby delaying important treatment options; Whereas treatments for Cushing's Syndrome include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, cortisol-inhibiting drugs, and reducing the dosage of glucocorticoid hormones;

Whereas Cushing's Syndrome was discovered by Dr. Harvey Williams Cushing, who was born on April 8, 1869;

Whereas the Dr. Harvey Cushing stamp was part of the United States Postal Service's `Great American' series, initiated in 1980 to recognize individuals for making significant contributions to the heritage and culture of the United States;

Whereas President Ronald Reagan spoke on April 8, 1987, in the Rose Garden at a White House ceremony to unveil the commemorative stamp honoring Dr. Harvey Cushing;

Whereas following the ceremony, President Reagan hosted a reception in the State Dining Room for Mrs. John Hay Whitney, Dr. Cushing's daughter, and representatives of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons; and

Whereas the Senate is an institution that can raise awareness in the general public and the medical community of Cushing's Syndrome:

Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate--

(1) designates April 8, 2006, as `National Cushing's Syndrome Awareness Day';

(2) recognizes that all Americans should become more informed and aware of Cushing's Syndrome;

(3) calls upon the people of the United States to observe the date with appropriate ceremonies and activities; and

(4) directs the Secretary of the Senate to transmit a copy of this resolution to the Cushing's Understanding, Support & Help Organization

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Please join us in instituting a National Cushing's Awareness Day

Cushing's Awareness Day.
We are currently petitioning to have April 8 be declared as Cushing's Awareness day. This date was chosen because it was Dr. Harvey Cushing's Birthday.

Print out a sample letter to send to your congress person or senator or download it in Word format.

Thank you for helping to make this Cushing's Awareness Day a reality!

List of US Senators
List of US Congressmen
See What Jayne has Done!!!
She has her first response and it's a fantastic one!