Carrie Meek: “once again I am asking my colleagues to join me in the fight against lupus by cosponsoring H.R. 2420. The bill…”

“once again I am asking my colleagues to join me in the fight against lupus by cosponsoring H.R. 2420. The bill authorizes increased research into the causes and treatment of this widespread but enigmatic disease. Doctors estimate that there are about 500,000 Americans known to be suffering from lupus. It is estimated that another 500,000 have not been diagnosed. Known cases of lupus outnumber those of leukemia, muscular dystrophy, or multiple sclerosis. While lupus affects both men and women, 9 out of 10 people struck with lupus are women. The disease has its most significant impact on young women during the childbearing ages of 15 to 45. All ethnic backgrounds are stricken with lupus, but it attacks African-American, Hispanic, and some Asian and native American women three times more frequently than white women. Within those ethnic groups hardest hit, rarely is there a person who has not been directly or indirectly affected by a friend, relative, or loved one who is suffering from lupus. Perhaps the most discouraging aspect of lupus for the sufferer is the fact that there is no cure. Lupus organizations throughout the country have endorsed H.R. 2402. Many of them, from districts throughout the country, have contacted my colleagues. Let us not turn away. Let each of us assure the 1 million who now suffer that we will not choose to neglect their cry for help.”