[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 120 (Tuesday, July 22, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1524]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          SUPPORTING NATIONAL CYSTIC FIBROSIS AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 22, 2008

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, on Tuesday July 15th, 
the House of Representatives passed unanimously by voice vote H. Con. 
Res. 299, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National 
Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. As a proud cosponsor of this 
resolution, I am grateful that the House of Representatives took the 
time to show our support for those who are fighting for better 
treatment and a cure for cystic fibrosis.
  Our ability to help families and the medical community make headway 
against this disease is vital. With approximately 30,000 Americans 
living with this disease--a large percentage of which are children--
raising funding and awareness for research will bring hope and real 
results.
  In an effort to raise money and awareness for cystic fibrosis 
research, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has held an annual Celebrity 
Tennis Gala for the past 23 years. Since the beginning of these annual 
events, the life-expectancy of a child born with cystic fibrosis has 
more than doubled. This is in no small part due to the money raised at 
this event and others. Last year alone, the Foundation raised more than 
$350,000 which is a substantial part of the $2.5 million raised over 
the years through the gala. I had the privilege of being a part of the 
2008 event, where my Chief of Staff Dino Teppara was a key player, and 
I was encouraged by the dedication of the families I met and the hard-
working individuals at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
  America has remained a leader in medical research and our scientists 
continue to lead the way in inching closer to a cure for many diseases. 
I look forward to working with my colleagues and the American people as 
we battle together to find a cure for cystic fibrosis and other 
diseases.

                          ____________________