(NASHVILLE) — This week, Republican lawmakers unanimously approved a resolution sponsored by Senator Doug Overbey (R-Maryville) and Representative Jason Zachary (R-Knoxville) designating May 17, 2017 as “Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) Awareness Day” in Tennessee.
Senate Joint Resolution 16 was initiated by constituent Elizabeth Psar of the Julia Barbara Foundation and is designed to increase attention to the leading cause of pediatric brain tumors in children. DIPG is a type of brain tumor that is highly aggressive and has a zero percent survival rate. These tumors are difficult to treat because they are often found near the base of the brain on the brainstem, which controls many of the body’s vital functions. Those who are diagnosed are usually between the ages of five and nine. They often lose control of their bodily functions but are still aware of their health situations. Patients often stop breathing or go into full cardiac arrest.
“It is imperative that we increase awareness of this debilitating illness that jeopardizes so many of our most precious Tennesseans,” said Representative Zachary. “By spreading the message about DIPG, we can help educate our state’s parents and hopefully increase resources that will lead to researchers discovering a cause and also potentially find a cure.”
The full text of Senate Joint Resolution 16 can be accessed by visiting the Tennessee General Assembly website at: http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/110/Bill/SJR0016.pdf
Jason Zachary serves as the Vice-Chair of the House & Insurance Banking Committee. He is also a member of the House Transportation Committee and the House Insurance & Banking Subcommittee. Zachary lives in Knoxville and represents House District 14, which includes part of Knox County. He can be reached by email at [email protected] or by calling (615) 741-2264.
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