[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 201 (Thursday, October 17, 2002)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 64027-64028]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-26628]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 201 / Thursday, October 17, 2002 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 64027]]

                Proclamation 7608 of October 11, 2002

                
National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Week, 2002

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Cystic fibrosis is one of the most common fatal genetic 
                diseases in the United States. During this week, we 
                renew our commitment to fighting this deadly disease 
                that affects an estimated 30,000 American men, women, 
                and children.

                Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that can be 
                passed on directly from parents to children. Millions 
                of Americans are unknowing, symptom-free carriers of 
                the defective gene that can cause this disease. When 
                both parents are carriers of the abnormal gene, their 
                children have a 1 in 4 chance of being born with the 
                disorder. Individuals who suffer from cystic fibrosis 
                experience frequent lung infections and digestive 
                problems caused by cell disorders in the lining of the 
                lungs, small intestines, sweat glands, and pancreas.

                Though there is as yet no known cure for cystic 
                fibrosis, scientists and researchers have made great 
                progress in understanding and treating this disease. 
                Thanks to these efforts, the average life expectancy 
                for people with cystic fibrosis has increased 
                significantly in recent decades, and it is now 
                approximately 30 years. In addition, advances in 
                antibiotic therapy and the management of lung and 
                digestive problems have improved the quality of life 
                for these individuals.

                Recent genetic research may also accelerate the 
                discovery of a cure. To help advance the work to end 
                cystic fibrosis, my Administration is dedicated to 
                increasing Federal funding for medical research at the 
                National Institutes of Health. Until cystic fibrosis is 
                eliminated, we are hopeful that our research efforts 
                will continue to extend and improve the quality of life 
                of those stricken with this grave disease.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United 
                States, do hereby proclaim October 13 through October 
                19, 2002, as National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Week. I 
                call upon all Americans to observe this week with 
                appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

[[Page 64028]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                eleventh day of October, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand two, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 02-26628
Filed 10-16-02; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P