[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 97 (Wednesday, June 7, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E778]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING RYAN DANT'S COLLEGE GRADUATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KENNY MARCHANT

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 7, 2017

  Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ryan Dant. 
Ryan's father Mark Dant retired just last year as Assistant Chief at 
the Carrollton, Texas Police Department. As a young boy, Ryan was 
diagnosed with a rare disease called Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS Type 
1)--a disease so rare that it affects about 1 in 100,000 children.
  Mr. Speaker, we recently observed National MPS Awareness Day on May 
15.
  At the time he was diagnosed, in the early 90s, there was no cure or 
even a treatment for MPS. Doctors told Ryan's parents--Jeanne and 
Mark--that he wouldn't make it to his 13th birthday.
  Over time, the heartache of their son's diagnosis gave way to the 
steadfast perseverance that only a parent knows.
  Scientist after scientist, through experimental treatments and 
research studies, Ryan's 13th birthday came and went.
  Last Saturday, Jeanne and Mark Dant witnessed a miracle--their son 
Ryan, at age 29, received his college degree.
  I congratulate Ryan on receiving his degree. His life's journey is an 
inspiration to us all.

                          ____________________