[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 113 (Monday, July 3, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E942]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL SCLERODERMA AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, July 3, 2017

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National 
Scleroderma Awareness Month and on behalf of scleroderma patients 
throughout the United States. Initiatives like Scleroderma Awareness 
Month help raise awareness about the disease while driving research and 
action that results in new treatments for this and other illnesses.
  Scleroderma is a chronic and disabling connective tissue and 
rheumatic disorder resulting from an overproduction of collagen in the 
skin, tissue, and underlying muscle. The disease manifests itself in 
two forms: localized scleroderma, effecting the skin and underlying 
tissue, and systemic scleroderma, also known as systemic sclerosis, a 
potentially life-threatening disease that attacks internal organs 
including the lungs, heart, kidneys, esophagus and gastrointestinal 
tract. The wide range of symptoms as well as the localized and systemic 
variations of the disease make it especially hard to diagnose. The 
average diagnosis is made 5 years after the onset of symptoms. Once 
diagnosed, however, people with Scleroderma can only look forward to 
symptomatic relief, as there is no known cure.
  It is critical that we work to raise awareness of scleroderma and 
related diseases while encouraging research that could lead to 
breakthroughs in treating this disease. Scleroderma often leads to 
swelling, hardening and thickening of the skin, blood vessel spasms 
with severe discomfort in the fingers and toes, weight loss, joint 
pain, swallowing difficulties, non-healing ulcerations on the 
fingertips and extreme fatigue. In its more advanced forms, scleroderma 
can prevent patients from performing even the simplest tasks. Given the 
lack of treatment options and the disease's effects on individuals' 
quality of life, we must continue to explore therapies and treatments 
to alleviate these symptoms. I was proud to cosponsor legislation last 
Congress that would encourage continued research investment in this 
area so that innovative therapies can be developed, and it is my hope 
that we continue our efforts to combat scleroderma.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing June as 
National Scleroderma Awareness Month. We must continue to support 
investment in this area so that there will one day be a cure for this 
devastating disease.