PUBLIC LAW 102-303—JUNE 23, 1992 106 STAT. 255 Public Law 102-303 102d Congress Joint Resolution Designating June 1992 as 'National Scleroderma Awareness Month". Whereas scleroderma is a disease caused by the excess production of collagen, the main fibrous component of connective tissue, causing hardening of the skin or internal organs such as the esophagus, lungs, kidney, and heart; Whereas approximately 300,000 people in the United States suffer from scleroderma with women of childbearing age outnumbering men four to one; Whereas scleroderma is a painfiil, crippling, and disfiguring disease that is usually progressive and can result in premature death; Whereas the symptoms of scleroderma are variable, and this variability can complicate and confuse diagnosis of the disease; Whereas the cause and care of scleroderma are unknown; and Whereas scleroderma is an orphan disease for which intensive research is needed to improve treatment and find its cause and cure: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That June 1992 is designated as "National Scleroderma Awareness Month". The President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe the month with appropriate activities to enhance awareness of the disease and the need for a cure. Approved June 23, 1992. June 23, 1992 [H.J. Res. 445] LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—HJ. Res. 445: CONGRESSIONAL RECORD. Vol. 138 (1992): June 5, considered and passed House. June 9, considered and passed Senate.
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