[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 144 (Thursday, October 6, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 6, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                      A PRESCRIPTION FOR PROGRESS

                                 ______


                            HON. BOB FRANKS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 6, 1994

  Mr. FRANKS of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, the debate over health care 
reform has understandably focused on what is wrong with our current 
system. While I agree that there are numerous aspects that need 
improvement, we should be careful not to destroy the innovative spirit 
of a system that has provided our Nation with the finest quality health 
care in the world.
  Despite its flaws, the current system has fostered an environment 
that has led to the development of revolutionary new drugs. An one of 
America's most innovative industries, pharmaceutical companies have 
been the engine of medical progress for decades. Countless discoveries 
of life-saving drugs and cures for deadly diseases have been the direct 
result of the pharmaceutical industry's efforts.
  To this end, I would like to share with my colleagues the miraculous 
discovery of a drug, Sandimmune, which enables transplant recipients to 
resume normal lives. In fact, Sandimmune has transformed organ 
transplants from a medical experiment to a widely accepted medical 
therapy. Prior to the introduction of Sandimmune in 1982, organ 
transplants were relatively rare. Today, however, Sandimmune is used in 
over 120,000 kidney transplants annually.
  Testament to the drugs invaluable impact are the stories of three 
young Americans whose lives were forever changed by treatment with a 
therapeutic drug, Sandimmune. Writing to its manufacturer, Sandoz 
Corp., they described what Sandimmune has meant to them.
  Joe Canze from Owosso, MI, a kidney transplant recipient, writes, ``I 
love basketball! If you asked me what I would like to do for a day, it 
would be to shoot baskets. I have always dreamed about playing in a 
three on three basketball tournament.''
  ``Before my transplant February 19, 1987, I couldn't play in a three 
on three tournament. I was on a pac-X cycler for twelve hours every 
night. Some days when I got off the machine I felt pretty weak. Also my 
dialysis tube was hindering my jumping.''
  ``Two years after my transplant I played in my first tournament. My 
team, `The Fearsome Foursome' didn't win but we played three games and 
got a free tee shirt. The courts were awesome!''
  ``It was great to finally be on the court not on the sidelines 
watching.''

  The second story is by Kim Kaminski, the mother of a child who 
received a heart transplant. ``Our first baby was born with a fatal 
heart defect. Our dreams were crushed. With a miracle from God, the 
Gift of Kalie's new heart was received. We were able to celebrate 
Kalie's first birthday with family, friends, and the entire community. 
Kalie's touched so many hearts and gave inspiration and meaning to all 
our lives.''
  ``We thank God and modern medicine for our happiness, hopes and 
dreams and to a future of special moments we'll cherish.''
  Kristopher Brown of Stanley, WI writes, ``Doctors say it's a miracle 
I am alive. My life has changed since I received my new heart one year 
ago. I can play my all time favorite sport, football. If I am lucky I 
would be a quarterback. When I am on my Aunt's four wheeler, I can be 
wild and free. If dreams come true, I'll own my own someday. Thanks to 
Sandimmune I have a second chance to be a teenager and enjoy life.''
  These real life experiences are what is right with our health care 
system. In recent years, pharmaceutical companies, many of which are 
located in my home State of New Jersey, have developed a wide variety 
of breakthrough drugs that are saving countless thousands of lives 
every year. We must make certain that this industry is not handcuffed 
in their efforts to develop more miracle cures for diseases like AIDS, 
cancer and heart disease.

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