Supporting the Goals and Ideals of "National MPS Day"
SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF ``NATIONAL MPS DAY'' -- (House of Representatives - March 28, 2006)
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Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I rise today in support of House Resolution 85, introduced by the distinguished gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Kind).
This resolution would support the goals and ideals of ``National MPS Day.'' MPS and related diseases are rare genetic diseases that cause cells to form improperly, wreaking havoc among all the body's systems. Enzymes which normally break apart damaged cells fail to produce, resulting in progressive damage throughout the body, affecting the heart, bones, joints, respiratory system and the central nervous system. It can cause stunted growth, stiff joints, speech and hearing impairment, breathing problems, mental retardation, and a dramatically shortened life span.
All the symptoms of these diseases are not always apparent at birth. They develop slowly as damaged cells accumulate, many times resulting in death before the teenage years. Currently, there are no cures for these dangerous diseases.
I was unaware of MPS until Les Sheaffer, one of my constituents, came to talk to me about his daughter Brittany, who has MPS III, or Sanfilippo Syndrome. My staff and I were touched by Brittany's story and the Sheaffer family's resolve. Brittany's condition underscores the difficulties facing families coping with these dreaded diseases.
The occurrence of MPS in the general population is thought to be about 1 in 25,000 births. Increased public and professional awareness are important to further the development of treatments and techniques to help cope with and eventually cure these diseases. Because MPS diseases are not commonly known and well understood in the medical community, diagnosis is often delayed. Early detection and intervention can help to improve the quality of life for children like Brittany.
I applaud the efforts of the National MPS Society to support research, to support families, and to increase public and professional awareness of these diseases. This legislation would build on the National MPS Society's work by raising awareness of these devastating diseases and increasing support for the disease's victims and their families. For this reason, I ask all Members to join me and Mr. Kind in passing House Resolution 85.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
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