[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 72 (Thursday, May 13, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E849]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRESSIONAL RECOGNITION FOR THE ARA PARSEGHIAN MEDICAL RESEARCH 
                               FOUNDATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS

                               of Arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 13, 2010

  Ms. GIFFORDS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Ara 
Parseghian Medical Research Foundation, which is holding its 15th 
annual ``One More Victory, Ara!'' event in Tucson, Arizona on May 14 
and 15.
  The Foundation was established by in 1994 by Cindy and Mike 
Parseghian after three of their four children were diagnosed with 
Niemann-Pick Type C disease. It is named for the children's 
grandfather, Ara Parseghian.
  Niemann-Pick Type C disease is a genetic, neurodegenerative disorder 
that causes progressive deterioration of the nervous system. It affects 
children by interfering with their ability to metabolize cholesterol. 
This metabolic disorder results in neurological problems that are 
ultimately fatal.
  Tragically, Mike and Cindy's three children, Michael, Marcia and 
Christa lost their lives to Niemann-Pick Type C disease. But as Cindy, 
has said, ``they have given us a legacy of hope.'' Cindy, Mike and 
their extended family has not been defeated by the deaths of their 
children. With incredible determination and hope they have devoted 
themselves to finding a way to conquer this disease.
  Great progress has been made through research supported by the 
Foundation. Scientists funded by the Foundation have identified the 
gene responsible for causing NP-C. This discovery has played a major 
role in moving Niemann-Pick research to a new and encouraging level.
  On her desk, Cindy Parseghian keeps a quote by physicist, inventor 
and rocketry pioneer Robert H. Goddard: ``The dream of yesterday is the 
hope of today . . . and the reality of tomorrow.''
  Those dreams and hopes are carried forward by the Ara Parseghian 
Medical Research Foundation, which has raised more than $33 million. 
That money has been used to fund more than 75 research projects, which 
the Parseghian family believes will prevent other families from having 
to lose a child to this disease.
  The family's cause has become our community's cause and this weekend 
hundreds of people will gather to once again show their support for the 
Foundation and its critical mission.
  The Foundation is a labor of love for the Parseghian family and for 
many others but we all know that the hardest worker, the force behind 
the Foundation, is Cindy Parseghian. While Cindy would not want to be 
singled out for all that she has done, we do so today on behalf of a 
grateful community and in recognition of her dedication to the work of 
the Foundation over the past 15 years.
  I commend the Parseghian family for their courageous fight on behalf 
of children across our country and the world. The fight has been 
difficult but, with the progress they have made, the final victory is 
within sight.

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