[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 82 (Thursday, June 12, 1997)]
[House]
[Pages H3791-H3792]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       A TRIBUTE TO SHARON BRYSON

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Michigan [Mr. Barcia] is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a woman of 
tremendous resolve, Sharon Bryson. She has survived an enormous tragedy 
and somehow has managed to rise above it and to become a humanitarian 
and spokesperson for others who share her anguish.
  Eight years ago Sharon lost her 13\1/2\-year-old son and 2\1/2\ years 
ago she lost her husband to AIDS. Her daughter, Shelley, who is a 
student working on her master's degree and intends to pursue her Ph.D., 
is also infected with HIV. The terrible injustice is that Sharon's 
husband and son died from HIV after being given blood byproducts 
considered safe. At the time the individuals said they could be used 
like water, and individuals who spoke with some authority.

                              {time}  1730

  It was not until later that they were warned that the products may 
contain the HIV virus, too late for Sharon's husband, son, and 
daughter. It is an outrage that the government allowed tainted blood 
products to be given to innocent people, destroying entire generations 
of families. The government must own up to its failure to warn 
hemophilia patients about the possibilities of the HIV virus in our 
national blood supply.
  In the 1980's, nearly 8,000 hemophiliacs were infected with the HIV 
virus. Of those infected, two die every day. Although no amount of 
money can ever replace a family, they must be compensated for their 
suffering, their anguish and the enormous expenses that they have had 
to incur.

[[Page H3792]]

  Human life is too precious not to recognize this devastating tragedy. 
One life lost is one too many. Sharon is a courageous woman who has 
refused to give up, despite losing her loved ones. Instead, she has 
chosen to fight on behalf of the hemophilia community for justice.
  It is because of brave, resilient people like Sharon who are willing 
to share their story that we understand the true impact of hemophilia-
associated AIDS. I ask my colleagues on the floor and in the House to 
join me in acknowledging Sharon Bryson for her bravery and willingness 
to help others. Sharing her story with me was an act of courage. It 
certainly brings this tragedy close to home.
  We must realize that this tragedy does not only happen in the urban 
areas or to those who are most at risk. Families from all walks of life 
are suffering. I am hoping that Sharon's story helps other families and 
individuals who have been infected through tainted blood products. I 
also commend her daughter Shelley who, in the face of these difficult 
medical challenges, continues to want to devote the rest of her life to 
helping children in need.
  As Sharon has so eloquently said:

       There is no amount of money that can bring my husband and 
     son back into my life. Perhaps the Ricky Ray Hemophilia 
     Relief Fund Act could bring some meaning to this chapter of 
     my life and restore my faith in the belief that the little 
     people of this great country of ours do matter.

  My prayers are with Sharon and her family.

                          ____________________