Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to childhood stroke.

Whereas each year stroke occurs in 10 out of 4,000 newborns and in 6 out of 100,000 children, and stroke can occur before birth;

Whereas 12 percent of children who experience a stroke die as a result;

Whereas over half of the children who have a stroke will have serious, long-term neurological disabilities, including hemiplegia (paralysis of one side of the body), seizures, speech and vision problems, and learning difficulties, and may require ongoing physical therapy and surgeries;

Whereas the permanent health concerns and treatments resulting from childhood stroke result in a heavy financial and emotional toll on the child, the family, and society;

Whereas very little is known about the cause, treatment, and prevention of childhood stroke;

Whereas only through medical research can effective treatment and prevention strategies for childhood stroke be identified and developed;

Whereas an early diagnosis and commencement of treatment of childhood stroke greatly improves chances for recovery and prevention of recurrence; and

Whereas it would be appropriate to observe May 7, 2006, as Childhood Stroke Awareness Day: Now, therefore, be it