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PRINTER'S NO. 1563
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No. 259
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY TARTAGLIONE, FONTANA, SCHWANK, HAYWOOD, HUGHES,
COSTA, SANTARSIERO, J. WARD, VOGEL, BOSCOLA AND CAPPELLETTI,
APRIL 1, 2026
REFERRED TO RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, APRIL 1, 2026
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the month of April 2026 as "Limb Loss and Limb
Difference Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, More than 2.7 million Americans of all ages, races
and genders have had amputations, and another 28 million
Americans are at risk for amputation; and
WHEREAS, Each day, more than 300 Americans lose a limb; and
WHEREAS, When limb difference, defined as the partial or
complete absence of or malfunction of limbs, is included, the
number of Americans affected more than doubles to 5.6 million;
and
WHEREAS, In this Commonwealth alone, more than 200,000
individuals are living with limb loss or limb difference; and
WHEREAS, Limb loss and limb difference are lifelong
conditions that impact physical health, emotional well-being and
financial stability, and the general public is largely unaware
of the many challenges faced by those affected; and
WHEREAS, The leading causes of amputation are vascular
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disease, trauma and cancer; and
WHEREAS, Prosthetic and orthotic devices and care are
essential components of health care that restore function and
independence for people living with limb loss and limb
difference, yet access to proper devices and care can be costly
and requires ongoing maintenance and periodic replacement over
time; and
WHEREAS, Individuals with limb loss and limb difference often
require more than one prosthetic or orthotic device to restore
full function across essential daily activities such as work,
physical activity and personal hygiene, yet access is frequently
limited to basic ambulation; and
WHEREAS, Individuals with limb loss and limb difference must
overcome many challenges, including barriers to accessing the
care and mobility resources necessary to live active, healthy
and independent lives; and
WHEREAS, The physical effects of limb loss and limb
difference may be the most visible, but the emotional and social
impacts are often equally significant; and
WHEREAS, Physical activity is a critical component of health
and well-being, helping to prevent secondary health conditions
such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and depression; and
WHEREAS, Individuals with limb loss and limb difference often
face barriers to fully participating in physical activity due to
limitations in access to appropriate care and equipment; and
WHEREAS, When individuals have access to the care and
mobility devices they need, they experience improved health
outcomes, increased independence and greater participation in
their communities; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize the month of April 2026
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as "Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month" in
Pennsylvania; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Senate acknowledge the importance of
ensuring that individuals with limb loss and limb difference
have access to the care and mobility resources necessary to
support their health, independence and full participation in
society; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Senate encourage efforts that promote
equitable access to mobility and active lifestyles and recognize
movement and physical activity as a vital component of health
and well-being for all Pennsylvanians; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Senate encourage all residents of this
Commonwealth to recognize the importance of this month,
celebrate individuals with limb loss and limb difference who are
living full and productive lives and express gratitude to
caregivers, clinicians and communities, who are a source of
support and motivation.
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