[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6669]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



IN HONOR OF THE AMERICAN LYME DISEASE FOUNDATION, INC. ON THE OCCASION 
                    OF THE ALDF ANNUAL GALA BENEFIT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 1, 2001

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I enthusiastically rise today 
to honor the American Lyme Disease Foundation, Inc. (ALDF). Established 
in 1990, ALDF is the nation's most vital public voice in the battle 
against Lyme disease. From its comprehensive educational campaign to 
generous support for cutting-edge research, ALDF champions the 
prevention and treatment of Lyme disease, saving thousands of people 
each year from the often painful and debilitating symptoms of tick-
borne infections.
  Lyme disease is the most prevalent vector-borne disease in the United 
States, with over 145,000 cases reported to the Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention since 1982. The actual number of cases may be 3-
5 times that reported and costs related to tick-borne infections may 
exceed two billion dollars a year. Over the last decade, ALDF has 
increased public awareness about Lyme disease tremendously. 
Furthermore, many of the scientific advancements made by ALDF supported 
research have significantly increased our understanding of Lyme disease 
and the best methods for preventing and treating the disease.
  I salute the leadership of ALDF for their vigilant work to raise 
public awareness about Lyme disease and to increase the body of medical 
knowledge available for the prevention and treatment of the illness. In 
particular, I applaud the members of the ALDF Board of Directors, 
Chairman Anthony J. Walton, and Executive Director David L. Weld. I 
also want to recognize my friend and constant advisor on the issue of 
Lyme disease, Richard E. Gray, who is also a Member of the ALDF Board 
of Directors. ALDF's esteemed Council of National Scientific Advisors 
deserves recognition as well, for their innovative research on Lyme 
disease. This research remain critical to the health and well-being of 
thousands of communities in high-risk areas, especially in the 
Northeast region of the United States.
  ALDF plays a key role in providing reliable and scientifically 
accurate information to the public and to health care providers 
regarding Lyme disease. Recently, the ALDF, in collaboration with the 
Dutchess County Department of Health and the Institute of Ecosystem 
Studies in Millbrook, NY, received a grant of $300,000 for the first of 
a three year grant period from the Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention to institute a community-based integrated management plan to 
significantly reduce reported cases of Lyme disease and other tick-
borne infections within a target community. I congratulate ALDF for 
creating this innovative project and trust that when implemented, it 
will become one among many of ALDF's successful public awareness 
campaigns.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to pay tribute to the American Lyme Disease 
Foundation, Inc. in recognition of the Foundation's honorable mission 
and distinguished record of achievement.

                          ____________________