Rep. Yanez offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 143.

            A resolution to declare September 2015 as Chiari Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, Chiari malformation is a neurological disorder where the cerebellum of the brain descends out of the skull and places pressure on the brain and the spinal cord; and           Whereas, Individuals with Chiari malformation also struggle with many other related conditions. A few of them are hydrocephalus, tethered spinal cord, intercranial hypertension, syringomyelia, and spina bifida; and

            Whereas, It was estimated that Chiari malformations occur in 1 in 1,000 births. However,

now with the use of MRI’s becoming more frequent, it is believed that Chiari malformation is

much more prevalent; and

            Whereas, There are four different types of Chiari malformations, differing by the amount

of the herniation protruding from the skull; and

            Whereas, Chiari does not discriminate, it affects people of any age. The average age of diagnosis is in the mid-thirties. However, as pediatricians are slowly learning more about the condition, it is being found in children more frequently; and

            Whereas, Chiari malformation is often considered an invisible illness. Chiarians are often

not believed of their symptoms because none of them can be seen; and

            Whereas, There is no cure for Chiari. There is for some Chiarians a surgery called a

“Posterior Fossa Decompression” which can offer some relief of symptoms. However, this is not

a cure, and for many they see no relief; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare September 2015 as Chiari Awareness Month in the state of Michigan. We encourage all citizens to help educate and support family, friends, and neighbors who have been affected by Chiari. By increasing awareness of the risk factors and taking direct actions to reduce them, we can enable those who suffer from the disorder to live more peacefully; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Office of the Governor of

Michigan and director of the Department of Community Health.