WHEREAS, Washington State is recognized throughout the nation for its eminent resources in biomedical science; and
     WHEREAS, Medical specialists in this state have been credited with singular discoveries in diverse health conditions, contributing to worldwide knowledge about symptoms and treatment; and
     WHEREAS, Although citizen awareness about these major illnesses has become widespread, there are still a number of lesser threats to health about which very little is known; and
     WHEREAS, Myositis, a rare, chronic, and progressive condition for which there is no known cure, is one of these latter "orphan diseases" which is still little recognized, with only 135 patients identified in 27 of Washington's 39 counties and approximately 50,000 active cases nationwide; and
     WHEREAS, The puzzling symptoms of Myositis in its four related forms include difficulty in swallowing or breathing, excessive fatigue after standing or walking, increasing inability to lift or raise one's arms overhead, and general weakness of skeletal muscles; and
     WHEREAS, Patients have banded together in The Myositis Association with the help of their doctors and health researchers to serve as a resource promoting research into the causes and treatments of Myositis, as well as providing patient support and otherwise enhancing the quality of life for those afflicted; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington Myositis Group is committed to a concerted effort by The Myositis Association to recognize a national Myositis Awareness Day; and
     WHEREAS, The Myositis Association has designated September 21 as Myositis Awareness Day, as part of a coordinated effort to help educate the public and to identify other patients of the disease;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognize both the victims of Myositis and those fighting for a cure on September 21, 2003, Myositis Awareness Day.