[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4514]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING APRIL 17 AS WORLD HEMOPHILIA DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. EARL L. ``BUDDY'' CARTER

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 18, 2016

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize April 
17 as World Hemophilia Day, a day where the international community 
speaks as one to honor the hundreds of thousands of people across the 
globe suffering from hemophilia. Now, more than ever, we must renew our 
commitment to hemophilia patients, ensure that they can receive the 
most advanced care known to modern medicine, and redouble our efforts 
to discovering new treatments--and ultimately a cure--for this 
dangerous condition.
  Hemophilia is a genetic disorder that prevents blood from clotting 
properly, making even seemingly slight injuries a terrifying prospect 
for a bleeding episode that can lead to serious injury and even death. 
While the disease is rare in statistical terms, an estimated 400 
newborns are diagnosed with the disease every year, and approximately 
20,000 hemophiliacs live in the United States at this very moment. And 
all too often, this vulnerable patient population is put into jeopardy 
by the financial hurdles obstructing access to the intensive care 
needed for combatting such a pervasive disease.
  Too many American families are faced with the daunting challenge of 
tackling the financial burden of hemophilia--a burden that can grow to 
$250,000 a year or more. This World Hemophilia Day, I stand to speak 
out on behalf of the patients battling this complicated disease and 
hope that by raising awareness in this body, we move closer to a day 
where the treatment of hemophilia is practical, sustainable, and 
accessible for all Americans.

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