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[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 57 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

109th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 57

   Designating February 25, 2005, as ``National MPS Awareness Day''.

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           February 16, 2005

  Mr. Graham (for himself, Mr. Specter, Mr. Brownback, Mr. Kohl, Mr. 
  Hatch, Mr. Feingold, Ms. Cantwell, Mr. Chambliss, Mrs. Murray, Mrs. 
     Dole, Mr. Santorum, and Mr. Jeffords) submitted the following 
             resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
   Designating February 25, 2005, as ``National MPS Awareness Day''.

Whereas Mucopolysaccharidosis (``MPS'') and Mucolipidosis (``ML'') disorders are 
        genetically determined lysosomal storage disorders that result in the 
        body's inability to produce certain enzymes needed to breakdown complex 
        carbohydrates;
Whereas these complex carbohydrates are then stored in virtually every cell in 
        the body and progressively cause damage to these cells, adversely 
        affecting an individual's body, including an individual's 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 disorder is usually not apparent at birth;
Whereas without treatment, life expectancy of an individual afflicted with MPS 
        is usually very early in life;
Whereas recent research developments have resulted in limited treatments for 
        some MPS disorders;
Whereas promising advancements are underway in pursuit of treatments for 
        additional MPS disorders;
Whereas despite 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 disorders;
Whereas the lack of awareness about MPS disorders extends to those within the 
        medical community;
Whereas the damage that is caused by MPS makes it a model for many other 
        degenerative genetic disorders;
Whereas the development of effective therapies and a potential cure for MPS 
        disorders 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 disorders: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) designates February 25, 2005, as ``National MPS 
        Awareness Day''; and
            (2) supports the goals and ideals of ``National MPS 
        Awareness Day''.
                                 <all>
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