[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 76 (Friday, May 13, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E699]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN HONOR OF THE NATIONAL CAPITAL LYME AND TICK-BORNE DISEASE 
                              ASSOCIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. BARBARA COMSTOCK

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 13, 2016

  Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to discuss 
the extremely important work done by the National Capital Lyme and 
Tick-Borne Disease Association (NatCapLyme), an invaluable organization 
representing my district. NatCapLyme has been working tirelessly to 
help defeat an illness that affects so many in our community. Known for 
their work improving the living standard for those suffering from tick-
borne illnesses, NatCapLyme has empowered and educated countless 
patients, families, and the community at large about this disease.
  I am honored to join NatCapLyme on May 15th, 2016 for their 6th 
Annual Loudoun Lyme 5K/10K/1K that will drive awareness and raise money 
to help find a cure for Lyme disease--the number one tick-borne illness 
in the United States. The Loudoun Lyme 5K/10K will also feature a 1K 
fun run, as well as an informational fair to educate the public about 
Lyme disease, its causes, symptoms and treatments. I look forward to 
joining them again this year and in years to come in support of their 
efforts.
  NatCapLyme has been working nationally for the past 20 years to 
further improve the lives of those suffering from tick-borne illnesses 
while also supporting ongoing efforts to find cures and advocate for 
patients. In the Commonwealth of Virginia, they worked with local 
legislators, including myself, to permanently designate May as Lyme 
Disease Awareness Month in Virginia. They also built a coalition of 
constituents across Virginia to help enact landmark legislation HB-1933 
to help better diagnose Lyme disease by identifying potential 
shortcomings in testing methods utilized at that time. I was proud to 
partner with them on this legislation and introduce it in the House of 
Delegates.
  As a Member of Congress, I have joined the bipartisan Lyme Disease 
Caucus because I remain committed to raising awareness of this disease 
and believe in the important work that NatCapLyme does each day. Mr. 
Speaker, for helping countless American citizens who suffer from tick-
borne illnesses, I would like to sincerely thank the National Capital 
Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Association for all their hard work, and 
ask that my colleagues join me in doing the same.

                          ____________________