ST. PAUL, Minn. – Sen. John Hoffman (DFL-Champlin, Brooklyn Park and Coon Rapids) had the honor of presenting a proclamation from the Governor and a Minnesota Senate Resolution declaring Friday Sept. 19, Mast Cell Disease Awareness Day. Hoffman made the announcement in Rochester at the Mayo Clinic to The Mastocytosis Society, which is hosting its 20th annual meeting this week where people will gather from around the country and world for the conference. Hoffman describes why being a part of this day was so special.
“I have a dear friend and constituent who is battling mastocytosis. I have seen her bravery and toughness in the fight against this incurable, but treatable disease. It’s an honor to be at the Mayo Clinic making this announcement to people who have been researching this rare disease, and fighting to find a cure,” he said.
The resolution to create a Mast Cell Disease Awareness Day came about from the respect the Governor and Minnesota Senate have for The Mastocytosis Society and the Mayo Clinic Program for Mast Cell and Eosinophilia Disorders and for their dedication to research and education.
Mastocytosis is a mast cell disease caused by the presence of too many mast cells in the body. A mast cell is a type of blood cell made in the bone marrow. People affected by the disease are susceptible to itching, hives and anaphylactic shock which is caused by the release of histamine from the mast cells. Because mast cells play a role in allergic reactions, the symptoms of the disease are often similar to the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Most cases of mastocytosis are confined to the skin, but more serious cases can involve bone marrow and in some cases internal organs. Systemic mastocytosis can become malignant.
“The Mastocytosis Society, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting patients affected by mastocytosis or mast cell activation disorders, as well as their families, caregivers and physicians through research, education and advocacy,” noted Mishele Cunningham, board member of The Mastocytosis Society.
You can contact Sen. Hoffman at Sen.John.Hoffman@senate.mn or by calling his office at (651) 296-4154.
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