Gus Bilirakis: “I rise today to support this concurrent resolution increasing awareness of tuberous sclerosis and supporting programs…”

“I rise today to support this concurrent resolution increasing awareness of tuberous sclerosis and supporting programs for greater research. Though few Americans have ever heard of tuberous sclerosis, it is a disease that affects 50,000 here at home and nearly 1 million people worldwide. It is a genetic disorder that causes seizures and tumor growth in vital organs such as the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and skin. Though these tumors are benign, they often compromise the proper functioning of essential organs. For example, many of those afflicted have some type of learning disability or behavioral problem caused by the combination of the brain tumors and seizures. Individuals with tuberous sclerosis and their families face significant financial, emotional and social hardships. More than 60 percent of those living with the disease will never live independently. This means a dramatically reduced quality of life for both those afflicted and their families. We can make a difference by raising awareness about the importance of early detection and proper treatment for tuberous sclerosis.”