[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 142 (Wednesday, September 30, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1394-E1395]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING DYSAUTONOMIA AWARENESS MONTH

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                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 30, 2015

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the millions that 
fight each day against dysautonomia. Dysautonomia is a group of 
debilitating medical conditions that result in a malfunction of the 
autonomic nervous system. This system is responsible for ``automatic'' 
bodily functions such as respiration, heart rate, blood pressure, 
digestion, and temperature control. Dysautonomia continues to 
significantly impact the lives of Americans across the United States 
especially here in Buffalo, New York.
   Multiple forms of dysautonomia can be extremely disabling and this 
disability can result in social isolation, stress on the families of 
those impacted, and financial hardships. The outstanding character and 
strong moral fiber of those in the Western New York community have 
provided the much needed support for the victims suffering from 
dysautonomia. Looking ahead it will be important for the community to 
rally around these victims as they continue their hard fought battle 
against this disease.
   Dysautonomia awareness is monumental in the early detection of the 
disease due to the fact that most patients take years to get diagnosed. 
Dysautonomia International, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that 
advocates on behalf of patients living with dysautonomia, encourages 
communities to celebrate Dysautonomia Awareness Month

[[Page E1395]]

each October around the world. At this time Dysautonomia International 
is funding research to develop better treatments and hopefully find a 
cure for all forms of this condition in the future.
   I wanted to recognize the contributions of the professional medical 
community, patients and family members who are working to educate our 
citizenry about dysautonomia throughout Western New York.
   Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments to recognize 
Dysautonomia Awareness Month. I ask that my colleagues join me in 
support for those suffering from the devastating medical condition and 
encourage them to spread awareness across the United States this 
October. I am pleased to inform you that on the night of October 1st, 
in my Congressional District in Niagara Falls, New York, Niagara Falls 
will be lit up turquoise from 10:00 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. in support of 
Dysautonomia Awareness Month.

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