Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 107 Part 2.djvu/42

 107 STAT. 994 PUBLIC LAW 103-92—OCT. 1, 1993 Public Law 103-92 103d Congress Joint Resolution Oct. 1, 1993 To designate the month of August as "National Scleroderma Awareness Month", [H.J. Res. 220] and for other purposes. Whereas scleroderma is a disease caused by the excess production of collagen, the main fibrous component of connective tissue, causing hardening of the skin or internal organs, or both, such as the esophagus, lungs, kidney, and heart; Whereas approximately 300,000 people in the United States suffer from scleroderma, with women of childbearing age outnumbering men4to1; Whereas scleroderma, a painful, crippling, and disfiguring disease, is most often progressive and can result in premature death; Whereas the symptoms of scleroderma are variable which can complicate and confuse diagnosis; Whereas the cause and cure of scleroderma are imknown; and Whereas scleroderma is an orphan disease that requires intensive research to improve treatment as well as find the cause and cure: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled. That the months of August 1993 and August 1994 are designated as "National Scleroderma Awareness Month". The President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe each such month with appropriate activities that will enhance awareness of the disease and the need for a cure. Approved October 1, 1993. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.J. Res. 220: CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 139 (1993): Aug. 5, considered and passed House. Sept. 10, considered and passed Senate.

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