[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 182 (Thursday, November 14, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1439]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE DENMARK FAMILY AND RAISING AWARENESS OF PHELAN-McDERMID 
                                SYNDROME

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                             HON. MAX ROSE

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 14, 2019

  Mr. ROSE of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my 
colleagues to join me in commending the Denmark family of Staten Island 
for their hard work to raise awareness of Phelan-McDermid syndrome. 
Back home in New York, we recognized their efforts on October 22, which 
Governor Cuomo proclaimed ``Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Awareness Day'' in 
the state, and now I ask my colleagues to join me in giving them the 
same recognition here in the House.
   Drew Denmark suffers from Phelan-McDermid Syndrome, as well as 
Autism. In many cases, including Drew's, individuals struggling with 
this disease are non-verbal and are afflicted with cognitive 
disabilities. Phelan-McDermid is often misdiagnosed as another ailment, 
resulting in this syndrome being very under-diagnosed.
   After Drew's diagnosis, the Denmark family got to work ensuring that 
Phelan-McDermid Syndrome received the recognition it deserves, in hopes 
that more families will now be able to receive a proper diagnosis. I am 
honored to have walked with Drew and his family a few of weeks ago at 
the Autism Speaks Staten Island Walk and am proud to be on Team Drew 
each and every day.
   As more and more patients struggling with this disease receive 
accurate diagnoses of Phelan-McDermid Syndrome and families are able 
get their loved ones the care they need, they will in no small part 
have the Denmark family to thank for it.
   This family embodies what it means to be Staten Islanders and New 
Yorkers: when we want change to happen, we go out and fight for it. So, 
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in honoring 
Drew and the rest of the Denmark family for the courage, and tenacity 
they have displayed.

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