[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 98 (Thursday, July 18, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1295]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       HONORING ANDREA MYSLENSKI

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DONALD A. MANZULLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 18, 2002

  Mr. MANZULLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Andrea 
Myslenski, a special young girl in my Congressional district who 
suffers from a very rare and serious disease, ``Post Viral 
Dysautonomia.'' This is a condition that affects the autonomic nervous 
system and renders her very tired and unable to go to school or have 
the normal social life of a 15-year old girl. Andrea was home tutored 
due to Dysautonomia the second half of eighth grade. She completed all 
of her work and was awarded the Presidential Award for academic 
achievement. Andrea began 9th grade with the hope of completing the 
school year, but a virus caused a relapse of Dysautonomia. She was 
unable to attend school in October, 2001, and home tutored for the rest 
of the school year.
  Dysautonomia is manifested by symptoms of fatigue, weakness, 
forgetfulness, brain fog, and mood swings, etc. It has been a very 
trying time for the family. Perhaps one of the biggest challenges was 
actually making a definitive diagnosis of Dysautonomia. It took several 
visits to multiple doctors before a definitive diagnosis was made, 
making it quite apparent why it is called an ``invisible disease.''
  Mr. Speaker, I wish to extend my support to Andrea and many children 
like her that suffer from Dysautonomia. It is my hope that we become 
educated about this disease and become strong supporters for the 
research and treatment of this invisible illness. I am proud to have 
Andrea as a member of my district and hope that one day a cure for this 
disease will be found.

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