[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21571]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



  AMERICAN LIVER FOUNDATION DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA CHAPTER'S 3RD ANNUAL 
                               LIVER WALK

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CONSTANCE A. MORELLA

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 1, 2001

  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, in honor of the American 
Liver Foundation, District of Columbia Chapter's 3rd Annual Liver Walk. 
The walk is designed specifically to raise awareness and funds 
necessary to combat liver diseases such as hepatitis and bilateral 
atresia. I ask my colleagues to join me in support of the American 
Liver Foundation and their tireless work and dedication to eliminate 
liver disease.
  The American Liver Foundation is a national, voluntary nonprofit 
organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of liver 
disease through research, education and advocacy. Nearly 4 million 
Americans are infected with Hepatitis C and 8,000 die each year as a 
result and the number of fatalities is expected to reach 30,000 
annually within the next two decades. In 1998, 573 liver transplants 
were performed on children in the United States and over 80 percent 
were under the age of two years old. A child's liver transplant will 
cost $200,000 to $300,000 during the first year of care. An increase in 
research can make it possible to develop improved treatments and find 
cures and a major effort is necessary to control the increase in liver 
diseases.
  Mr. Speaker, it is estimated that 1 in 10 individuals in the 
Washington, D.C. metropolitan area suffer from liver disease. Broad-
based chapter support and activities generate support in our 
communities that will result in more effective treatment and 
prevention, improved care to those afflicted, and cures for those who 
now have only hope. The Greater Washington DC Chapter of the American 
Liver Foundation offers hope and assistance to the many suffering with 
liver disease and their families through programs such as their 
upcoming ``Liver Walk.'' I applaud their efforts and I am proud to lend 
my support to this program.

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