[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 147 (Thursday, December 4, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1732]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE AWARENESS WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ANDER CRENSHAW

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 4, 2014

  Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in observance of National IBD 
Awareness Week, December 1-7, 2014, which bring attention to over 1.4 
million Americans affected by Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, 
collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD. These 
disorders impact the gastrointestinal tract, the area of the body where 
digestion takes place. They cause inflammation of the intestine, which 
leads to ongoing symptoms and complications.
   Although anyone can get IBD, it is most commonly diagnosed in 
adolescents and young adults between 15 and 25 years old. There is 
currently no known cause or cure for IBD, and individuals with IBD may 
suffer from various symptoms from mild to severe abdominal pain, 
diarrhea, fever, and intestinal bleeding. The impacts are devastating 
to both patients and their families.
   While we still do not have all the answers, there is hope. An 
increasing number of genes have been identified--over 100 today--that 
may cause an increase in the risk of developing IBD, confirming that 
IBD has a strong genetic component. With these discoveries and new 
technological advances, researchers are working furiously to find 
cures.
   Despite this, the unpredictable nature of these painful and 
debilitating digestive diseases creates a significant burden on the 
community and economy. Every year, there is more than $1.26 billion in 
direct and indirect costs to the US healthcare system due to 
hospitalizations as a result of IBD complications.
   As the co-chair of the Crohn's and Colitis Caucus, a bi-partisan 
group of Congressional Members dedicated to educating the public and 
other Members on IBD, I urge my fellow Caucus members and colleagues to 
join me in recognizing IBD Awareness week and the millions of Americans 
suffering from this disease. I would also like to take this time to 
honor my colleague and fellow co-chair, Jim Moran, for his leadership 
over the years in improving access to treatments for IBD for this 
vulnerable population. He has been an incredible partner in this fight 
to prevent and cure IBD. He will be missed in this Chamber as he moves 
on to the next chapter in his life.
   With the support of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, I 
encourage all Americans to join in the fight to cure, raise awareness, 
and increase research on this debilitating disease. Together, with the 
help of researchers, educators, medical professionals, patients, and 
families, we can find a cure and end this devastating disease for 
millions of people around the world.

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