[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 14679-14680]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING VICTIMS OF BACTERIAL MENINGITIS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 20, 2012

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Ryan 
Milley, a young man from Conroe, Texas who was born on September 20, 
1979. In 1998, 18-year old Ryan lost his life to meningococcal 
meningitis.
  As a result of Ryan's death his family founded Meningitis Angels, a 
national nonprofit organization that educates the public, health 
professionals, child care facilities, schools and universities on not 
only meningitis but other vaccine preventable diseases through personal 
stories, educational brochures, posters and videos.
  Meningitis Angels is dedicated to the support of victims of bacterial 
meningitis and their families. While helping families cope with the 
loss or care of a family member they also offer some hands on support 
for those children affected with bacterial meningitis.
  Sadly, Meningitis Angels continues to grow. Meningitis Angels 
currently represents over 600 families across the U.S. and abroad.
  Mr. Speaker, I cannot do justice to these families without speaking 
about this terrible and preventable disease.
  Bacterial meningitis is an infection of the meninges, the thin lining 
that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
  It is a deadly, debilitating disease that especially affects infants, 
children, teenagers, young adults, and those with compromised immune 
systems.
  People who have bacterial meningitis may have longterm complications 
and disabilities

[[Page 14680]]

like permanent brain damage and long-term physical problems such as 
heart, kidney, or intestinal problems or could require amputations of 
the arms, legs and facial features. Infants and teens are highest risk 
for this disease.
  The most effective way to protect your child against bacterial 
meningitis is to complete the recommended vaccine schedule. In many 
states, these vaccines are required for children in school and daycare.
  The families of Meningitis Angels can tell you that these 
requirements are not frivolous or busy work.
  So on their behalf, I ask that American families get vaccinated to 
prevent more tragedies.
  I have offered H. Res. 403 to honor Ryan Wayne Milley, his remarkable 
mom Frankie, and all Meningitis Angels across the United States. Today 
is an appropriate day to remember Ryan and to support efforts to end 
the disease that took his life.

                          ____________________