Florida Senate - 2015                            (NP)    SR 1608
       
       
        
       By Senator Soto
       
       
       
       
       
       14-01860-15                                           20151608__
    1                          Senate Resolution                        
    2         A resolution to raise awareness of Evans syndrome in
    3         this state.
    4  
    5         WHEREAS, Evans syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which
    6  a person’s immune system creates antibodies that attack the
    7  blood’s red and white cells and platelets, and
    8         WHEREAS, the antibodies’ attack on red cells decreases the
    9  oxygen level in the blood, causing those who have the disease to
   10  become easily exhausted, and
   11         WHEREAS, the antibodies’ attack on white cells interferes
   12  with the body’s natural ability to fight infections, making such
   13  routine illnesses as the common cold difficult to recover from;
   14  and their attack on platelets impedes healthy blood clotting,
   15  placing those who have the disease at great risk should they
   16  have an injury, and
   17         WHEREAS, Evans syndrome is extraordinarily rare, occurring
   18  in just 1 in 1 million people, and
   19         WHEREAS, many physicians are unaware of Evans syndrome, and
   20  there is no known cure or ongoing research of possible causes or
   21  cures for the disorder, and
   22         WHEREAS, chemotherapy, coupled with biweekly platelet
   23  checks, is the standard of care today for those who have Evans
   24  syndrome, and the cost of each round of chemotherapy may be
   25  $25,000 or more, NOW, THEREFORE,
   26  
   27  Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida:
   28  
   29         That it is of paramount importance that awareness of Evans
   30  syndrome be raised to encourage research, improve diagnosis and
   31  treatment, and, one day, identify a cure.
   32         BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution, with
   33  the Seal of the Senate affixed, be presented to Ricardo Garcia
   34  as a tangible token of the appreciation of the Florida Senate
   35  for his brave battle against Evans syndrome and his willingness
   36  to step into the spotlight to advocate for all who have the
   37  disease.