[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 159 (Friday, October 4, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1246]
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

                        Friday, October 4, 2019

   Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the millions that fight each day against Dysautonomia, 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, temperature control and more; the things that many of us 
have the luxury of taking for granted.
  Dysautonomia impacts more than 70 million people around the world 
including Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy, Vasovagal Syncope, Pure 
Autonomic Failure, and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. This 
devastating diagnosis significantly impacts the lives of people of any 
age, gender, race or background across the United States and Western 
New York.
  As is, dysautonomia can be extremely incapacitating, but an often-
unseen symptom of this disability is the social isolation that 
accompanies it. The financial stress on the families of those impacted 
by this disease warrant our acknowledgement and recognition. Increased 
awareness about dysautonomia will help patients get treated sooner, 
save lives and foster support for individuals and families coping with 
this diagnosis. I am proud to once again affirm that the outstanding 
character and strong moral fiber of those in the Western New York 
Community continue to provide the much-needed support for the victims 
suffering from dysautonomia. Looking ahead, it will be crucial for the 
community to remain steadfast as they rally around these victims in 
their ongoing hard fought battle against this disease.
  Dysautonomia awareness is a critical component in the early detection 
of the disease because most patients take years to be properly 
diagnosed. Dysautonomia International, a non-profit organization that 
advocates on behalf of patients living with dysautonomia, encourages 
communities to deepen their understanding of this challenging 
condition; especially during Dysautonomia Awareness Month each October. 
The tireless efforts of the Dysautonomia community for research and 
accessible services will be recognized on Saturday, October 5 in my 
Congressional District; the color turquoise will bathe Niagara Falls 
and Buffalo City Hall in solidarity of care and concern.
  Dysautonomia International continues to raise awareness and funds for 
this debilitating disease in hopes that one day successful treatments 
and a cure will be found. Their efforts should be recognized across our 
nation throughout and beyond the month of October.
  Madam Speaker, I recognize Dysautonomia International and 
Dysautonomia Awareness Month. I ask that my colleagues join me in 
recognizing the contributions of the professional medical community, 
patients and family members who are working to educate our citizenry 
about dysautonomia throughout Western New York. They are deserving of 
greater understanding, recognition and respect.

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