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[Pages S5377-S5378]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SENATE RESOLUTION 143--DESIGNATING MAY 15, 2009, AS ``NATIONAL MPS
AWARENESS DAY''
Mr. GRAHAM (for himself, Mr. Feingold, Mrs. Murray, Mrs. Feinstein,
Mr. Conrad, Mr. Burr, Mr. Dorgan, Mr. Chambliss, Ms. Murkowski, and Ms.
Collins) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and
agreed to:
S. Res. 143
Whereas mucopolysaccharidosis (referred to in this
resolution as ``MPS'') is a genetically determined lysosomal
storage disease that renders the human body incapable of
producing certain enzymes needed to break down complex
carbohydrates;
Whereas complex carbohydrates are then stored in almost
every cell in the body and progressively cause damage to such
cells;
Whereas such cell damage adversely affects the human body
by damaging the heart, respiratory system, bones, internal
organs, and central nervous system;
Whereas the cellular damage caused by MPS often results in
mental retardation, short stature, corneal damage, joint
stiffness, loss of mobility, speech and hearing impairment,
heart disease, hyperactivity, chronic respiratory problems,
and, most importantly, a drastically shortened life span;
Whereas the nature of the disease is usually not apparent
at birth;
Whereas, without treatment, the life expectancy of an
individual afflicted with MPS begins to decrease at a very
early stage in the life of the individual;
[[Page S5378]]
Whereas recent research developments have resulted in the
creation of limited treatments for some MPS diseases;
Whereas promising advancements in the pursuit of treatments
for additional MPS diseases are underway;
Whereas, despite the creation of newly developed remedies,
the blood-brain barrier continues to be a significant
impediment to effectively treating the brain, thereby
preventing the treatment of many of the symptoms of MPS;
Whereas treatments for MPS will be greatly enhanced with
continued public funding;
Whereas the quality of life for individuals afflicted with
MPS, and the treatments available to them, will be enhanced
through the development of early detection techniques and
early intervention;
Whereas treatments and research advancements for MPS are
limited by a lack of awareness about MPS diseases;
Whereas the lack of awareness about MPS diseases extends to
those within the medical community;
Whereas the damage that is caused by MPS makes it a model
for the study of many other degenerative genetic diseases;
Whereas the development of effective therapies and a
potential cure for MPS diseases can be accomplished by
increased awareness, research, data collection, and
information distribution;
Whereas the Senate is an institution than can raise public
awareness about MPS; and
Whereas the Senate is also an institution that can assist
in encouraging and facilitating increased public and private
sector research for early diagnosis and treatments of MPS
diseases: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) designates May 15, 2009, as ``National MPS Awareness
Day''; and
(2) supports the goals and ideals of ``National MPS
Awareness Day''.
____________________
