IV 

110TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION H. CON. RES. 81 

Expressing the sense of the Congress regarding bone marrow diseases. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

MARCH 6, 2007 

Mr. MCGOVERN (for himself and Mrs. BONO) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and 

Commerce 

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 

Expressing the sense of the Congress regarding bone marrow 

diseases. 

Whereas every year approximately 20,000 to 30,000 Americans are diagnosed with aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic 

syndromes (MDS), or paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH); 

Whereas bone marrow diseases can strike any person anywhere in the world, regardless of age, gender, race, or 

ethnicity; 

Whereas the highest incidence of these diseases occurs with 

people age 60 or older; 

Whereas the number of cases of these diseases will increase 

each year as the American population continues to age; 


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Whereas bone marrow diseases occur when the bone marrow 

stops making enough healthy blood cells or produces 

poorly functioning blood cells; 

Whereas the causes of aplastic anemia, MDS, and PNH remain unknown, but are linked to toxins and viruses that 

commonly occur in our society and both prescription and 

over-the-counter medications; 

Whereas patients diagnosed with these diseases also suffer 

from anemia, bleeding, infections, and thrombosis; 

Whereas most treatments for bone marrow diseases are experimental, and there is no single cure for these diseases; 

Whereas the Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation is the Nation’s oldest and largest patient advocacy 

and support network for individuals suffering from bone 

marrow diseases; and 

Whereas the Congress as an institution and Members of Congress as individuals are in unique positions to help raise 

public awareness about bone marrow diseases and to support the fight against these diseases: Now, therefore, be 

it 

1 Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 

2 concurring), That it is the sense of the Congress that— 

3 (1) all Americans should gain a better under4 standing of bone marrow diseases and their symp5 toms; 

6 (2) all individuals diagnosed with bone marrow 

7 diseases and their families should have access to a 

8 variety of treatment and counseling options; 


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1 (3) families coping with bone marrow diseases 

2 should be linked to support networks and counseling 

3 and information services provided by non-profit or4 ganizations like the Aplastic Anemia & MDS Inter5 national Foundation; and 

6 (4) the Federal Government should— 

7 (A) endeavor to raise awareness about the 

8 importance of the early detection of, and proper 

9 treatment for, bone marrow diseases; 

10 (B) provide adequate funding for research 

11 into the causes of, and improved treatment for, 

12 bone marrow diseases; 

13 (C) engage in such public health initiatives 

14 as surveillance, education, and awareness of 

15 bone marrow diseases; and 

16 (D) continue to consider ways to improve 

17 access to, and the quality of, health care serv18 ices for detecting and treating bone marrow dis19 eases. 

Æ 


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