[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 17 (Wednesday, February 16, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S1560]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 57--DESIGNATING FEBRUARY 25, 2005, AS ``NATIONAL MPS 
                            AWARENESS DAY''

  Mr. GRAHAM (for himself, Mr. Specter, Mr. Brownback, Mr. Kohl, Mr. 
Hatch, Mr. Feingold, Ms. Cantwell, Mr. Chambliss, Mrs. Murray, Mrs. 
Dole, Mr. Santorum, and Mr. Jeffords) submitted the following 
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                               S. Res. 57

       Whereas Mucopolysaccharidosis (``MPS'') and Mucolipidosis 
     (``ML'') disorders are genetically determined lysosomal 
     storage disorders that result in the body's inability to 
     produce certain enzymes needed to breakdown complex 
     carbohydrates;
       Whereas these complex carbohydrates are then stored in 
     virtually every cell in the body and progressively cause 
     damage to these cells, adversely affecting an individual's 
     body, including an individual's heart, respiratory system, 
     bones, internal organs, and central nervous system;
       Whereas the cellular damage caused by MPS often results in 
     mental retardation, short stature, corneal damage, joint 
     stiffness, loss of mobility, speech and hearing impairment, 
     heart disease, hyperactivity, chronic respiratory problems, 
     and most importantly, a drastically shortened life span;
       Whereas the nature of the disorder is usually not apparent 
     at birth;
       Whereas without treatment, life expectancy of an individual 
     afflicted with MPS is usually very early in life;
       Whereas recent research developments have resulted in 
     limited treatments for some MPS disorders;
       Whereas promising advancements are underway in pursuit of 
     treatments for additional MPS disorders;
       Whereas despite newly developed remedies, the blood brain 
     barrier continues to be a significant impediment to 
     effectively treating the brain, thereby preventing the 
     treatment of many of the symptoms of MPS;
       Whereas treatments for MPS will be greatly enhanced with 
     continued public funding;
       Whereas the quality of life for individuals afflicted with 
     MPS and the treatments available to them will be enhanced 
     through the development of early detection techniques and 
     early intervention;
       Whereas treatments and research advancements for MPS are 
     limited by a lack of awareness about MPS disorders;
       Whereas the lack of awareness about MPS disorders extends 
     to those within the medical community;
       Whereas the damage that is caused by MPS makes it a model 
     for many other degenerative genetic disorders;
       Whereas the development of effective therapies and a 
     potential cure for MPS disorders can be accomplished by 
     increased awareness, research, data collection, and 
     information distribution;
       Whereas the Senate is an institution than can raise public 
     awareness about MPS; and
       Whereas the Senate is also an institution that can assist 
     in encouraging and facilitating increased public and private 
     sector research for early diagnosis and treatments of MPS 
     disorders: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates February 25, 2005, as ``National MPS 
     Awareness Day''; and
       (2) supports the goals and ideals of ``National MPS 
     Awareness Day''.

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