MICHIGAN SENATE
Offered by Senators Johnson, Outman, Nesbitt, Webber, Lauwers, Bumstead, Hauck, Hoitenga, Huizenga, Albert, Bellino, Lindsey, Damoose, Theis, Wojno, Chang,
Bayer, Shink, Irwin, McDonald Rivet, Santana and Singh
A RESOLUTION TO DESIGNATE MAY 2024 AS EHLERS-DANLOS SYNDROME (EDS) AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is an inherited condition that affects the connective tissues of the body; and
WHEREAS, Connective tissues provide support in skin, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, internal organs, and bones; and
WHEREAS, There are 13 types of EDS caused by genetic defects in collagen, one of the major structural components of the body; and
WHEREAS, Symptoms of EDS may include joint hypermobility, loose or unstable joints that dislocate easily, joint pain, skin that bruises easily, digestive problems, dizziness and increased heart rate when standing up, and problems with internal organs; and
WHEREAS, Early and accurate diagnosis can provide the opportunity to create lifesaving medical plans and improve quality of life; and
WHEREAS, Eighty percent of people with EDS also have postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS); and
WHEREAS, POTS causes an individual’s heart rate to increase quickly after getting up from sitting or lying down causing symptoms such as dizziness or light-headedness, fainting or almost fainting, heart palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, and shaking or sweating; and
WHEREAS, Those suffering from POTS may also have additional medical problems including digestion problems such as feeling or being sick, diarrhea, constipation, bloating and stomach pain, headaches and problems with sight such as blurred vision or tunnel vision, hands and feet looking purple, weakness and extreme fatigue, and problems with thinking, memory, and concentration; and
WHEREAS, It is estimated that the prevalence of all types of EDS combined affect at least 1 in 5,000 people worldwide with recent research indicating that it is likely underdiagnosed; and
WHEREAS, EDS may significantly decrease both quantity and quality of life for those affected; and WHEREAS, Currently, there is no treatment and no known cure for EDS. Further medical
research and awareness can bring hope for those with EDS; and
WHEREAS, A network of EDS support groups can help connect those managing life with this disease. Additionally, they help inform the health care community and the public; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED BY THE SENATE, That the members of this legislative body designate May 2024 as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) Awareness Month. We honor those bravely suffering from EDS and encourage scientific research and funding to find a cure.
Adopted by the Senate, May 23, 2024.
Secretary of the Senate