Student Assembly

Sponsored by: Nate Treffeisen ‘12

Whereas, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are serious, chronic inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;

Whereas, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease, afflict approximately 1,400,000 people in the United States, 30 percent of whom are diagnosed as children;

Whereas, the cause of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are unknown and no medical cure exists;

Whereas, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can affect anyone, at any age, and is being diagnosed with increased frequency in children;

Whereas, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis patients are at high risk for developing colorectal cancer;

Whereas, a lack of awareness among health professionals and the general public may contribute to the misdiagnosis and mismanagement of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis;

Whereas, the annual direct cost of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis in the United States is estimated to be $6,100,000,000;

Whereas, the goals of Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week’ are (1) to invite and encourage all people in the Cornell community to join the effort to increase awareness for patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, (2) to engage in activities aimed at raising awareness of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis among the Cornell community, and (3) to support initiatives for those conducting biomedical research needed to find better treatments and a cure for Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis, especially research done within Cornell University;

Whereas, patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can have potentially embarrassing and painful symptoms, and are often perceived as a ‘hidden diseases.’

Whereas, there are limited resources and support for patients afflicted with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis that are in college.

Whereas, the week of December 1, 2011, through December 7, 2011, has been designated Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week’

Be it therefore resolved, that the Student Assembly supports the goals and ideals of Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week’;

Be it further resolved, that the Student Assembly encourages organizations to participate in Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week’ by helping to educate the general public about Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis;

Be it further resolved, that the Student Assembly recognizes all people in the United States, particularly college students, living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and expresses appreciation to the family members and caregivers who support them;

Be it further resolved, that the Student Assembly commends the dedication of health care professionals and biomedical researchers who care for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis patients and work to advance basic, genetic, and clinical research aimed at developing new treatments and a cure for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, especially those within Cornell University; and

Be it further resolved, that the Student Assembly commends groups dedicated to facilitating resources and support to Cornell faculty, students, and staff affected by Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Respectfully Submitted,

Nate Treffeisen, ‘12
Student Assembly LGBTQ Representative At-Large

Adapted from United States Senate Resolution 199, May 25th 2011