SENATE RESOLUTION

                             8755

By Senators Kohl-Welles, Deccio, West and Haugen

     WHEREAS, Diabetes is a chronic disease for which there is no cure; and

     WHEREAS, 5.9 percent of the United States population, sixteen million Americans, live with diabetes; and

     WHEREAS, Diabetes, the nation's seventh leading cause of death, is a silent killer whose victims often first become aware that they have diabetes when they develop one of its life‑threatening complications, including blindness, kidney disease, nerve disease, heart disease, and stroke; and

     WHEREAS, While diabetes occurs in people of all ages and races, some groups have a higher risk of developing the disease than others, including African‑Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian‑Americans, and Pacific Islanders,  as well as the aged population and women who have given birth to high birth weight babies; and

     WHEREAS, The American Diabetes Association is the nation's leading health organization supporting diabetes research and public education; and

     WHEREAS, The American Diabetes Association is leading the way to helping people, all people, with diabetes lead a healthier life through its funding for research and education, as well as its advocacy on behalf of those affected by diabetes; and

     WHEREAS, Each year, thousands of people from across Washington participate in events to raise awareness and funding in support of the mission of the American Diabetes Association:  To prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by the disease;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate hereby honor the American Diabetes Association for its commitment to the prevention and cure of diabetes and to improving the lives of all people affected by diabetes; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Senate honor those volunteers who have given of their time, talent, energy, and compassion to make a difference in the lives of those who live with diabetes; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Senate encourage participation throughout the state in diabetes awareness and education outreach programs and in the association's various Washington fund-raising events, including the "Walk for Diabetes," "Tour de Cure," "Team Diabetes," and the "Always and Forever Memorial and Honor Program."

I, Tony M. Cook, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 8755,

adopted by the Senate February 22, 2002.

TONY M. COOK

Secretary of the Senate