[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 15 (Monday, January 27, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E116]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TO RECOGNIZE BHS AWARENESS

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                          HON. PATRICK MEEHAN

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 27, 2014

  Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to a 
condition that is sadly misunderstood. Breath-holding spells occur when 
a young child stops breathing for up to one minute, generally as a 
response to stress or emotions like fear and frustration. Sometimes, 
these spells cause the child to pass out. However, it is important to 
note that breath-holding is an involuntary reaction, and not something 
the child can control. While most children do not need treatment for 
breath-holding spells, they can be a difficult and scary experience for 
both parent and child.
   Jennifer Horne of Prospect Park, PA, in the 7th district of 
Pennsylvania, is the founder of BHS Awareness. Ms. Horne's son, 
Brayden, suffers from BHS. Founded in 2013, the group is dedicated to 
providing medical facts and personal experiences from parents. BHS 
Awareness recently supported an effort in the Pennsylvania House of 
Representatives to pass legislation officially recognizing July 14 as 
Involuntary Breath Holding Awareness Day.
   Mr. Speaker, I honor BHS Awareness for its bravery and leadership 
regarding breath-holding spells. Ms. Horne and BHS Awareness are 
helping parents and children understand and cope with a difficult 
condition. Their hard work on this little-known condition is raising 
awareness for the children who experience these spells and the parents 
who care for them.

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