SENATE RESOLUTION

                         2000-8721

By Senator Costa

     WHEREAS, It is the practice of the Washington State Senate to recognize and address problems that profoundly and adversely disrupt citizens= lives; and

     WHEREAS, More than seven million Americans of all ages suffer from Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSDS),also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a progressive disease of the autonomic nervous system that can follow almost any sort of medical trauma; and

     WHEREAS, The symptoms of RSDS/CRPS at various stages include, but are not limited to chronic pain, increased sensitivity to touch, muscular atrophy, depression, anger and memory loss; and

     WHEREAS, Victims of this debilitating disease may face years of intense pain that can spread throughout one=s body, often defying painkilling agents; and

     WHEREAS, RSDS/CRPS has been documented since the mid-19th century, and despite diligent efforts no cure has been found as of yet; and

     WHEREAS, There are support groups, both medical and social in nature, whose tireless efforts to combat RSDS/CRPS and increase public awareness of this disease should not go unnoticed; and

     WHEREAS, Those afflicted with this disease, as well as their loved ones, have shown and continue to show tremendous courage and compassion in the face of adversity;

     NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognizes all those whose lives have been affected adversely by RSDS/CRPS and honors all those who, through their voluntary and professional efforts, have helped in this noble fight.

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

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 2000-8721,

adopted by the Senate February 25, 2000.

TONY M. COOK

Secretary of the Senate