St. Paul, Minnesota — Wednesday, May 7, 2014 is Myocarditis Awareness Day in Minnesota after a proclamation by Governor Mark Dayton. State Representative Mary Sawatzky joined constituents Mike and Darla Reynolds in advocating for the proclamation and Myocarditis Awareness Day.
Mike and Darla’s son Stephen passed away at the age of 20 due to Myocarditis — today would have been Stephen’s 23rd birthday. The Reynolds hold a fundraiser every year in the Willmar area to donate money and increase awareness. Mike and Darla approached Rep. Sawatzky and Governor Dayton about a proclamation and were on the House floor when Rep. Sawatzky read the proclamation.
“Myocarditis is a condition that is not well-known and increasing awareness can help save lives,” said Rep. Sawatzky. “Tragically, this condition has caused the death of young, healthy people like Stephen and we need to do more to prevent families from facing the same pain and sadness that the Reynolds family has faced. I want to thank Darla, Mike, and their family and friends for all the work they’ve done to raise awareness of this condition.”
Rep. Sawatzky encourages constituents to contact her with any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas on any legislative topic. Rep. Sawatzky can be reached by phone at 651-296-6206 or by email at rep.mary.sawatzky@house.mn. Constituents can also visit Rep. Sawatzky’s legislative page and sign up for email updates.
Text of the proclamation:
Whereas: Myocarditis is characterized by inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular tissue of the heart. Myocarditis can affect the muscle cells of the myocardium and the specialized electrical conduction pathways, leading to irregular rhythms, very fast or slow heart rates, palpitations, and loss of consciousness; and
Whereas: The tragedy of myocarditis is that it usually occurs in young, otherwise healthy people; however, anyone can be susceptible. Almost 20 percent of all cases of sudden death in young adults are attributed to myocarditis; and
Whereas: There are many causes of myocarditis, including viral infections; autoimmune disorders; environmental toxins; and adverse drug reactions; and
Whereas: Myocarditis is a poorly understood, often undiagnosed illness, which can rapidly progress to heart failure and death. With increased awareness, lives may be saved; and
Now, therefore, I, Mark Dayton, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim Wednesday, May 7, 2014 as Myocarditis Awareness Day in the State of Minnesota.