[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 173 (Tuesday, December 1, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1682]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN OBSERVANCE OF NATIONAL IBD AWARENESS WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ANDER CRENSHAW

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 1, 2015

  Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in observance of National IBD 
Awareness Week, which brings attention to over 1.6 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. 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.
   Unfortunately, IBD can affect anyone, though it is most commonly 
diagnosed in adolescents and young adults between 15 and 25 years old. 
And though 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 United States healthcare system due to 
surgeries and hospitalizations as a result of IBD complications.
   This week, patient advocates from the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation 
of America (CCFA) are marching on Washington to meet with their 
Representatives and ask them to be a part of the movement and join the 
bipartisan Crohn's and Colitis Congressional Caucus. I would like to 
extend a warm welcome to Mr. Michael Osso, as CCFA celebrates the 
foundation's newest President and CEO. Mr. Osso is taking over from 
recently retired Mr. Richard Geswell, who in his turn has dedicated 10 
years of remarkable leadership and service for patients with IBD. I am 
confident that Mr. Osso will continue Mr. Geswell's legacy of 
remarkable vision and drive on the journey forward towards a cure.
   As co-chair of the bipartisan Crohn's and Colitis Congressional 
Caucus, a group of dedicated Members educating the public and other 
Members of Congress on IBD, I am grateful for the opportunity to raise 
awareness for IBD as well as improve patients' access to treatments. 
Let us use this week, IBD Awareness Week, as a call to action for all 
Americans. 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. Mr. 
Speaker, I congratulate CCFA on their efforts to bring awareness to 
this awful disease and I urge my colleagues to recognize Crohn's and 
Colitis Awareness Week as a way to build upon our efforts for the IBD 
patient community and to join the Crohn's and Colitis Congressional 
Caucus.

                          ____________________