Political Quotes

“I congratulate Mr. Davis for bringing this important resolution to the floor. This resolution seeks to bring attention to sickle cell disease and to support the designation of September as Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month. Sickle cell disease is a deadly genetic blood disorder that strikes primarily people of African descent. Those affected by the disease most often appear to be healthy, but their lives are disturbed by sporadic and painful attacks in their arms, legs, chest and abdomen. SCD also causes the rapid destruction of sickle cells that results in multiple medical complications, including anemia, jaundice, gallstones, strokes, and restricted blood flow causing tissue damage, cardiovascular and organ damage. Approximately 80,000 African Americans suffer from sickle cell disease, and millions are affected worldwide. Statistics shockingly show that one in every 350 African American babies born in the United States has the disease, and one in eight African American babies carry the sickle cell trait. There is a one-in-four chance that a child born to parents who both carry the sickle cell trait will have the disease. Life expectancy is limited, as an average life span for an adult with the disease is only about 45 years. A universal cure, though, remains elusive. However, early diagnosis through newborn screening and education has improved survival and quality of life for those who suffer from SCD.”