[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 59 (Monday, May 15, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3942-S3943]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                 IN RECOGNITION OF CFIDS AWARENESS DAY

 Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize May 12 
as Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunctions Syndrome [CFIDS] Awareness 
Day as well as the efforts of the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome [CFS] 
Association of the Lehigh Valley in fighting this disease.
  CFIDS, also known as CFS, is a complex illness which effects multiple 
systems of the body. The syndrome is characterized by neurological, 
rheumatological, and immunological problems; incapacitating fatigue; 
and numerous other symptoms. Over 800,000 Americans of all ages, races, 
and socioeconomic classes suffer from this often debilitating disease. 
Tragically, persons with this syndrome can experience symptoms 
sufficient to deprive them of opportunity for gainful employment.
  CFIDS is often misdiagnosed because it is frequently unrecognized and 
can resemble other disorders. Therefore, it is imperative that 
education and training of health professionals regarding CFIDS be 
expanded and that there be greater public awareness of this serious 
health problem. While there has been increased activity at the 
national, state, and local levels, and in private

[[Page S3943]]

research institutions, more must be done to support patients and their 
families.
  The CFS Association of the Lehigh Valley works to encourage further 
research to conquer CFIDS and related disorders, and to inform and 
empower those affected by the disorder until a cure is found. The 
association, a member of the CFIDS Support Network of the CFIDS 
Association of America, is celebrating their eight year of service to 
the CFIDS community and has participated in May 12 activities since 
1993. Moreover, the association has been awarded the CFIDS Support 
Network Action Award for ``Excellence in Service in the Area of CFIDS 
Awareness Day'' in 1996 and for ``Excellence in Commitment and Other 
Service to the CFIDS Community in the Area of Public Policy'' in 1995.
  Mr. President, I urge my colleagues to join me in commending the CFS 
Association of the Lehigh Valley for its efforts, and in recognizing 
May 12th as CFIDS Awareness Day.

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