Senators Gleason, Thomas, Clark-Coleman, Anderson, Prusi, Hunter, Barcia, Cherry, Olshove, Scott, Schauer, Switalski, Garcia, Cropsey, Bishop, Stamas, Van Woerkom, Jelinek, Gilbert, Patterson, George, Cassis, Kahn, Pappageorge, Richardville, Brater, Jacobs, Whitmer, Allen, McManus, Basham, Birkholz, Brown, Clarke and Hardiman offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 22.

            A resolution to commemorate March 8, 2007, as World Kidney Day and the month of March as Kidney Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, Healthy kidneys are essential for processing 200 quarts of blood per day to remove fluids, wastes, and toxins from the body and release hormones to regulate blood pressure, make red blood cells, and promote strong bones; and

            Whereas, More than 769,000 Michiganians, or 1 in 9 adults, suffer from chronic kidney disease; and

            Whereas, Of the 11,000 Michiganians afflicted with kidney failure, approximately 47 percent are African American; and

            Whereas, The two main causes of chronic kidney disease that account for more than 70 percent of all cases are diabetes and high blood pressure; and

            Whereas, Obesity and inactivity caused 1 in 3 children born in 2000 to develop diabetes and become at-risk for kidney disease; and

            Whereas, The mission of the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan is to prevent kidney disease, improve the quality of life for those living with it, and promote early detection to aid in the prevention of the progression from  kidney disease to kidney failure, which requires dialysis or a kidney transplant to maintain life; and

            Whereas, The cost of treatment of kidney disease patients is disproportionately higher than that of any other chronic disease; and

            Whereas, With the help of dedicated volunteers and supporters across the state, the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan has continuously served the people of Michigan for the last 52 years with superior care and will continue to offer additional programs and services to more people than any other affiliate in the country; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we observe March 8, 2007, as World Kidney Day and the month of March as Kidney Awareness Month in Michigan. It is our hope that all possible support will continue to be extended to chronic kidney disease patients in Michigan and throughout the country and world; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan as a token of our highest esteem.