Down Syndrome bill passes Assembly

TRENTON — Legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Gail Phoebus and Assemblyman Parker Space designating November as “Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Month” received General Assembly approval on Oct. 20.
“Like many other conditions, the prognosis for someone diagnosed with RSDS is usually much better when the condition is identified and treated as early as possible,” said Phoebus (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris). “If delayed, eventual permanent disability is often the result. Unfortunately, the condition is often misdiagnosed because it’s either unknown or poorly understood. That’s why it’s so important to make the public aware of this debilitating disorder.”
RSDS, also known as complex regional pain syndrome, is characterized by severe burning pain, pathological changes in bone and skin, excessive sweating, tissue swelling and extreme sensitivity to touch. RSDS is thought to be a nerve disorder that generally occurs at the site of a minor or major trauma injury, but may also occur without an apparent injury.
“Although New Jersey established a RSDS program in 2007 to promote research to identify, diagnose and treat this disorder, the public still knows very little about the condition,” said Space (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris). “Designating November of each year as RSDS awareness month will help us in our efforts to heighten awareness about this painful and progressively chronic condition.”
Former Hamburg Borough Councilman Chris Kelly presented the idea to declare November RSDS Month because he knows firsthand it has affected his family.
"I had never heard of RSDS or knew what it was until my wife slipped on the ice and broke her wrist,” said Kelly. “That was six years ago and she continues to suffer every day with the constant physical pain and emotional trauma caused by this terrible disease. Our thanks to Assemblywoman Phoebus and Assemblyman Space for sponsoring this bill.”
While the causes of RSDS are unknown, the syndrome is thought to be the result of damaged nerves of the sympathetic nervous system. It’s unique in that it simultaneously affects the nerves, skin, muscles, blood vessels and bones, and if untreated, can result in permanent deformity and chronic pain.
For more information, visit www.RSDS.org, RSDHope.org., or www.colortheworldorange.com.