[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 74 (Tuesday, June 3, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5274-S5275]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNITION OF CFIDS AWARENESS DAY

 Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, I rise today to reaffirm my 
support for the tireless effort of the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 
Association of Lehigh Valley to fight chronic fatigue and immune 
dysfunction syndrome [CFIDS], or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome [CFS].
  For five years, the CFS Association of Lehigh Valley has been 
dedicated to finding a cure for CFIDS, increasing public awareness, and 
supporting victims of this disease. The Lehigh Valley organization is 
actively involved in CFS-related research. In addition, they regularly 
participate in seminars to train health care professionals. Public 
education is an essential aspect of the association's mission. For 
instance, they arranged the broadcast of a video documentary about 
CFIDS on public television. Likewise, the Lehigh Valley organization 
raises public awareness through the International CFIDS Awareness Day, 
which is held on May 12 each year. I would also note that the CFS 
Association of Lehigh Valley received the CFIDS Support Network Action 
Award in both 1995 and 1996 for their initiatives in public advocacy.
  Although researchers have made some advances in the study of this 
condition, CFIDS remains a mysterious illness. Presently, there is no 
known cause or cure. Victims experience a wide range of symptoms 
including extreme fatigue, fever, muscle and joint pain, cognitive and 
neurological problems, tender lymph nodes, nausea, and vertigo. 
Recently, the Centers for Disease Control gave CFIDS ``Priority 1'' 
status in the new infectious disease category, which also includes 
cholera, malaria, hepatitis C and tuberculosis. Until this disease is 
obliterated, the CFS Association of Lehigh Valley will continue its 
research and education campaigns.
  Mr. President, I urge my colleagues to join me in commending the 
Lehigh Valley organization and in supporting the following 
proclamation, which I ask be printed in the Record.
  The proclamation follows:

[[Page S5275]]

                              Proclamation

       Whereas, the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) Association of 
     the Lehigh Valley joined the Chronic Fatigue and Immune 
     Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) Association of America, the 
     world's largest organization dedicated to conquering CFIDS, 
     in observing May 12, 1997 as International Chronic Fatigue 
     and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome Awareness Day; and
       Whereas, the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Association of the 
     Lehigh Valley, a member of the Support Network of the CFIDS 
     Association of America, is celebrating their fifth year of 
     service to the community; and
       Whereas, the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Association of the 
     Lehigh Valley recently received the CFIDS Support Network 
     Action Award for Excellence in Service in the Area of CFIDS 
     Awareness Day 1996 and for Excellence in Commitment and 
     Service to the CFIDS Community in the Area of Public Policy; 
     and
       Whereas, CFIDS is a complex illness which is characterized 
     by neurological, rheumatological and immunological problems, 
     incapacitating fatigue, and numerous other symptoms that can 
     persist for months or years and can be severely debilitating; 
     and
       Whereas, estimates suggest that hundreds of thousands of 
     American adults already have CFIDS; and
       Whereas, the medical community and the general public 
     should receive more information and develop a greater 
     awareness of the problems associated with CFIDS. While much 
     has been done at the national, state, and local levels, more 
     must be done to support patients and their families; and
       Whereas, research has been strengthened by the efforts of 
     the Centers for Disease Control, the National Institutes of 
     Health, and other private institutions, the CFS Association 
     of the Lehigh Valley recognizes that much more must be done 
     to encourage further research so that the mission of 
     conquering CFIDS and related disorders can be achieved.
       Therefore, the United States Senate commends the 
     designation of May 12, 1997 as CFIDS Awareness Day and 
     applauds the efforts of those battling the illness.

  Mr. SANTORUM. I appreciate the Senate's consideration of this issue, 
and I thank my colleagues for their attention.

                          ____________________