Lake County Times

Martin McLaughlin, a House Representative from Illinois, announced a new resolution supporting awareness and fundraising for Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). The statement was made on the social media platform X.

"Proud to have passed HR 217 today," said Martin J. Mclaughlin, State Representative from Illinois. "Bringing awareness to FSHD. Joanne Dalessando has done a great job raising funds for research. Join us in September in Barrington with Joanne's Warriors."

In March 2024, the Illinois General Assembly passed House Resolution 653 and Senate Resolution 726 to designate March 6 as Rare Disease Day statewide. According to the Illinois General Assembly website, these measures aim to raise public awareness, support affected families, and emphasize the need for continued research and policy support. The resolutions align with efforts from the Illinois Rare Disease Commission to expand advocacy and visibility for rare conditions.

FSHD affects roughly 4 out of every 100,000 individuals, making it one of the more prevalent forms of muscular dystrophy. According to the FSHD Society, the organization funds research into disease mechanisms and quality-of-life challenges while advocating for increased investment in therapeutic development. This data helps inform clinical priorities and policy efforts.

There has been a steady increase in state and federal recognition of Rare Disease Day over the past five years. As noted on Congress.gov, the U.S. Senate passed S.Res.104 in February 2025, officially designating February 27 as Rare Disease Day to promote awareness and encourage early diagnosis and access to care. This resolution reflects similar trends among state legislatures acknowledging the needs of rare disease patients.

McLaughlin is a Republican state representative serving Illinois’ 52nd District since 2021. According to his official profile on the Illinois General Assembly website, he previously served as Village President of Barrington Hills and has sponsored several legislative items related to fiscal policy and public health, including rare disease awareness initiatives like House Resolution 653.

The Illinois House of Representatives consists of 118 members and functions as the lower chamber of the Illinois General Assembly. According to the official House Rules published by the Illinois General Assembly, the chamber manages legislative activity through various committees such as Human Services and Mental Health, following a structured process for introducing, debating, and passing resolutions and bills.