Florida Senate - 2021                            (NP)    SR 2058
       
       
        
       By Senator Cruz
       
       
       
       
       
       18-04352-21                                           20212058__
    1                          Senate Resolution                        
    2         A resolution recognizing June 25, 2021, as “World
    3         Vitiligo Day” in Florida.
    4  
    5         WHEREAS, vitiligo is a long-term, chronic disease that
    6  results in the loss of pigment in patches of the skin, hair,
    7  eyes, and inside of the mouth, and
    8         WHEREAS, the condition can result in discomfort, itching,
    9  and pain, with no known cure, and
   10         WHEREAS, the Nemours Center for Children’s Health Media’s
   11  KidsHealth estimates that 1 to 2 million persons in the United
   12  States are living with vitiligo, of which more than half are
   13  children and adolescents, and
   14         WHEREAS, according to the American Academy of Dermatology,
   15  a diagnosis of vitiligo can be life altering, causing many
   16  patients to struggle with low self-esteem, anger, and depression
   17  due to the social stigma surrounding the condition, and
   18         WHEREAS, according to the American Academy of Dermatology,
   19  approximately half of the patients diagnosed with vitiligo are
   20  diagnosed before the age of 21 years, and
   21         WHEREAS, a study by the Society for Pediatric Dermatology
   22  found that approximately half of all children and adolescents
   23  diagnosed with vitiligo have experienced a decrease in their
   24  quality of life, and some patients have experienced problems
   25  with schoolwork, increased bullying and teasing, trouble with
   26  developing friendships, and issues with self-confidence, and
   27         WHEREAS, there are medical facilities, clinics, and
   28  dermatologists throughout Florida who study, treat, and lend aid
   29  to those with vitiligo, and
   30         WHEREAS, across this state, patients diagnosed with
   31  vitiligo are participating in support groups, one of which has
   32  amassed more than 130 members, ranging in age from 4 to 78
   33  years, and
   34         WHEREAS, although the disease itself is not life
   35  threatening, the psychological impact is significant and can be
   36  devastating, NOW, THEREFORE,
   37  
   38  Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida:
   39  
   40         That June 25, 2021, is recognized as “World Vitiligo Day”
   41  in Florida.