[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 12]
[House]
[Page 17204]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNITION OF INTERNATIONAL 15q DAY

  (Mr. ROKITA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. ROKITA. Madam Speaker, today I rise in recognition of 
International 15q Day.
  Now, what is International 15q Day?
  It is a day to raise awareness of the similarities between Angelman, 
Prader-Willi, and Chromosome 15q Duplication syndromes. All three are 
genetic disorders originating in the 15th chromosome.
  My offices are supporting these efforts today to shine a light on 
those that suffer from these disorders. These disorders are so rare 
that they do not get the attention or dedication to research that many 
other diseases and disorders do.
  My son, Teddy, now almost 6 years old, was diagnosed with Angelman 
syndrome in early 2010. Angelman significantly impairs his capacity for 
motor development and severely inhibits his intellectual development. 
In addition to that, it is likely he will never speak.
  But through his challenges, he is such an inspiration to everyone he 
meets. We do not know what Teddy's ultimate impact on the world will 
be, but we know it, and those of these other children, will be great.
  My wife, Kathy and I, are so humbled by the support of our family and 
friends, including my staff, who, in all of our offices today, are 
wearing blue to recognize International 15q Day for Teddy, his fellow 
angels, and all those affected by these disorders.
  Madam Speaker, I encourage
all Americans to learn more about
these disorders by visiting
www.angelman.org.

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