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August, 2008 The Committee on Energy and Commerce The Honorable
Frank Pallone / Chairman Health Committee Dear Chairman Pallone: Please
pass H. Con. Res 81, as
it is important to thousands of Americans who are suffering from Myelodysplastic
Syndrome (MDS). Many more are
receiving this diagnosis as you read this letter.
It has no cure and very few treatment options. Myelodysplastic
Syndrome (MDS) is an insidious group of diseases that basically destroys
your immune system and bone marrow. MDS is creeping its way to the
top of the "quickest growing in occurrence" list.
More and more families are becoming aware of MDS, because people they love
are being diagnosed with it every day. White Blood
Cells, Red Blood Cells, Blood Platelets, Hemoglobin and Hemocrits are all
affected by MDS. Severe Anemia, Hemorrhage and Infection are
resulting trademarks in many cases. It is most often discovered upon
a routine check-up or perhaps in conjunction with another problem.
The Doctor orders a Complete Blood Count and your whole life changes. MDS can strike
anyone at any age, but persons aged 60 and over make up the largest group
being affected. The causes are suspected to be chemicals, radiation,
chemo therapy drugs and other substances that people have been exposed to.
Medications prescribed for millions on a daily basis are also in
question as possible causative agents. It
is very urgent that our government allocate funding for Research,
Education, and Treatment Development for this “no cure” disease and
other bone marrow diseases. I ask of behalf of my family and me, that you and your committee consider the difference you can make in thousands of lives now and perhaps the life of someone you care about in the future. Please champion H. Con. Res
81 for the sake of all of us. Regards,
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