[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 42 (Monday, October 21, 2002)]
[Page 1751]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7608--National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Week, 2002

October 11, 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.
    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.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., October 16, 
2002]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on October 
17. This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.