[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17330]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND ENCOURAGE CONGRESS'S SUPPORT FOR SEPTEMBER 9-10 
                 DESIGNATED AS LUPUS AWARENESS WEEKEND

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DAVID SCOTT

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 6, 2006

  Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to 
emphasize the importance of raising awareness about Lupus, as well as 
recognizing it as one of America's major diseases. It is important to 
note more Americans have this disease than cerebral palsy, multiple 
sclerosis, sickle-cell anemia and cystic fibrosis combined.
  In raising awareness about this devastating disease, I joined many of 
my colleagues in supporting increased funding for public and health 
professional programs which raise awareness and understanding about 
lupus. Furthermore, I stand with many of my colleagues in strengthening 
the Nation's research efforts to identify the causes of and cure for 
lupus.
  I believe one of the more important ways of raising awareness is 
encouraging education about the disease and recognizing the symptoms. 
However, as many of the symptoms experienced by those who have lupus 
mimic other diseases, lupus is very often hard to diagnose. There is no 
cure for lupus and researchers have yet to learn what causes the 
disease. It is of interest to note, lupus occurs more frequently in 
women and is also two to three times more common among African 
Americans, Hispanics, Asians and Native Americans.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to support September 9 through 10 as Lupus 
Awareness Weekend. I am hopeful with increased professional awareness 
and improved techniques for diagnosing patients we can ensure early 
treatment options as well as early diagnosis. It is of utmost 
importance we remain vigilant in improving access to information about 
this disease and ensuring funding levels remain adequate.

                          ____________________