[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 130 (Wednesday, September 5, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1796]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING THE HEPATITIS B FOUNDATION

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                         HON. PATRICK J. MURPHY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 5, 2007

  Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today in 
recognition of the Hepatitis B Foundation and its founders for their 
many accomplishments in Hepatitis B advocacy. The foundation, which 
this year celebrated its 15-year anniversary, also recently unveiled 
the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center right here in Bucks County. The 
Hepatitis B Foundation started in 1991 around a kitchen, as an effort 
to help a local family suffering from Hepatitis B. Today it is a one-
of-a-kind, world-renowned organization.
  Over 2 billion people are infected with Hepatitis B world-wide, 
including 12 million people in the United States. The disease causes 
liver infections, leads to cancer, and is particularly dangerous for 
children. Hepatitis B is 100 times more infectious than HIV, but safe 
and reliable vaccines are available, Because Hepatitis B can be 
prevented and treated, the Foundation has always believed that 
education is just as important as research.
  The Hepatitis B Foundation is the only nonprofit organization solely 
dedicated to Hepatitis B education, research, and advocacy. The 
Foundation's O'Liver the mascot, hotlines and multilingual literature 
all promote awareness and understanding of Hepatitis B. Partnerships 
with government officials helped Pennsylvania become one of the first 
states to require student vaccinations. Madam Speaker, because of the 
efforts of ongoing Hepatitis education, there are now 47 States that 
have Hepatitis B vaccine requirements.
  The new Biotechnology Center opened in October of 2006 as a result of 
a partnership between the Hepatitis B Foundation and Delaware Valley 
College. Their scientists conduct research in molecular biology, drug 
discovery, and early detection of cancer in order to find treatment 
options and a cure.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to individually recognize Founders and 
Board Members Paul and Janine Witte, Timothy and Joan Block, and 
Executive Director Molly Conti for their dedication to Hepatitis B 
awareness and medical achievements. I thank them on behalf of the 
countless people who have learned and benefited from the Foundation. 
Their compassion for one family truly became a desire to change the 
world for the better.

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