[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 3]
[Senate]
[Page 4204]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     OBSERVING WORLD HEMOPHILIA DAY

  Mr. CASSIDY. Mr. President, today I wish to celebrate April 17 as 
World Hemophilia Day where we recognize the serious challenges of the 
20,000 Americans who suffer each day from hemophilia and where we raise 
awareness to fight for a cure.
  Hemophilia is a rare genetic disorder that prevents an individual's 
ability to form a proper blood clot. Patients with hemophilia need 
immediate access to care and lifesaving therapies. There is currently 
an enormous discrepancy in the level of care available to patients with 
hemophilia. While some are diagnosed very young and have medical care 
throughout their life, most do not or do not have the access to 
diagnosis and treatment they need. As a physician, I have treated 
patients with hemophilia, and I know how debilitating the health 
problems endured by those living with hemophilia can be. If left 
untreated, a bleeding episode can lead to terrible pain, chronic joint 
and muscle damage, serious injury, or even death.
  I am hopeful that through attention, diligence, and raised awareness 
we might prevent more complications, unnecessary procedures, and 
disabilities so often caused by these diseases. As we increase our 
understanding and awareness of hemophilia, we also increase our ability 
to find treatments and eventually, a cure for this disease. I'm proud 
to stand today in support of all Americans with hemophilia on World 
Hemophilia Day.

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