FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

State Rep. Louise Williams Bishop
D-Philadelphia
www.pahouse.com/Bishop

 

House adopts Bishop resolution designating November

sarcoidosis awareness month

 

HARRISBURG, Nov. 7 – State Rep. Louise Williams Bishop, D-Phila., said the House of Representatives has adopted a resolution that would designate November 2007 as Sarcoidosis Awareness Month in Pennsylvania.

 

Sarcoidosis is a disease affecting people of all ages and races. The disease involves inflammation that produces tiny lump cells in various organs in the body. The formation of these granulomas, named because they look like grains of sand, may cause paralysis to a person’s major organs which can lead to them stop functioning.

 

Bishop said the measure (H.R. 422) received bipartisan support.

 

“I want to bring this disease to the attention of the public so that we can work on more research to find a cure," Bishop said.

 

Bishop said sarcoidosis is a silent killer that presents few or no symptoms. Currently, there is no way to prevent the disease or cure it.

 

The disease took the life of Bishop’s 44-year-old son, Todd, last year.

 

“I want to help other people who are suffering from the disease and make their lives better,” Bishop said.

 

Bishop is chairwoman of the House Children and Youth Committee.

 

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CONTACT: Roseann R. Cadau
House Democratic Communications Office
Phone: 717-787-7895
Fax: 717-783-6839
Email:
racadau@pahouse.net