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PRINTER'S NO. 1645
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No. 286
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY MALONE, TARTAGLIONE, HUGHES, COLLETT, HAYWOOD,
VOGEL, STREET AND CAPPELLETTI, APRIL 23, 2026
REFERRED TO RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, APRIL 23, 2026
A RESOLUTION
Designating the month of May 2026 as "Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of 13
genetic disorders characterized by changes that impair the
structure and function of connective tissues such as collagen;
and
WHEREAS, EDS can affect an individual's skin, joints, blood
vessels, gastrointestinal system and other organs and tissues;
and
WHEREAS, Depending on the type of EDS, a wide range of
features may be present, varying from mild to life-threatening,
which may include joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility,
tissue fragility, aneurysms and cardiac complications; and
WHEREAS, Common signs and symptoms of EDS may include fragile
skin with delayed wound healing, easy bruising, bleeding and
atypical scarring; and
WHEREAS, Misdiagnosis is common because these features often
resemble other conditions, delaying accurate diagnosis and
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complicating effective management; and
WHEREAS, EDS is a chronic, lifelong condition that, according
to the Ehlers-Danlos Society, affects approximately one in 5,000
people; and
WHEREAS, According to the EDS Clinic, it is estimated that
between 60,000 and 3 million Americans live with EDS; and
WHEREAS, Several types of EDS are often underrecognized in
primary care settings and may be misattributed to other
disorders, meaning its true prevalence is likely higher; and
WHEREAS, It is important for individuals with EDS to receive
knowledgeable, compassionate care from professionals who
understand these rare and complex disorders; and
WHEREAS, Many people with EDS require a multidisciplinary
team involving specialists from several fields to effectively
manage their care; and
WHEREAS, Even when two people have the same type of EDS,
their symptoms can vary widely, and they may respond differently
to various management approaches; and
WHEREAS, Knowing the true prevalence of EDS will help direct
resources for better diagnosis, treatment and research; and
WHEREAS, Continued awareness and advocacy will move us
towards a future with long-awaited medical breakthroughs for
which patients and families affected by EDS have hoped;
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate designate the month of May 2026 as
"Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.
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