On the recordFebruary 25, 2014
This week, on February 28, we recognize Rare Disease Day, which gives us a chance to raise awareness of the rare diseases affecting our communities. In the United States, there are 7,000 rare diseases affecting nearly 30 million Americans. One disease I would like to raise awareness about today is pulmonary fibrosis, which affects individuals' lungs and their ability to breathe. Pulmonary fibrosis kills 40,000 Americans each and every year, the same number of annual deaths as from breast cancer. There is still no known cure, no known cause, and no FDA-approved treatment. Earlier this year, Mr. Speaker, Senator Coons and I led a bipartisan letter, with 41 other Members of Congress, asking the National Institutes of Health to review their funding levels for rare diseases like pulmonary fibrosis. This letter shows that Members on both sides of the aisle want to see more progress in fighting back against these rare diseases. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues and constituents to remember our fellow Americans suffering from rare diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis. ____________________
