Recognizing May As Huntington's Disease Awareness Month

Floor Speech

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Ms. SCHOLTEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize May as Huntington's Disease Awareness Month. I want to take a moment to honor the courage and strength of families across the Nation who face lifelong hardships due to this disease--including one of my own constituents, Rachel Reising, and her family. It is so important for families like Rachel's for us to encourage dialogue and acknowledgement of Huntington's Disease so we can work to improve prevention and care of affected folks at the federal level.

Huntington's disease is a rare genetic disorder that slowly damages the brain over time. It leads to a progressive loss of control over movements, thoughts, and emotions. There is currently no cure. However, there is hope. Because of ongoing advancements in medical research and continued investments in biomedical science, we are closer than ever to the possibility of breakthrough treatments and perhaps even a cure in the decade ahead through gene therapy.

Rachel, my constituent, recently reached out to me to bravely share her story. As she grieves the loss of her father, whom she tragically lost to Huntington's, it has become her life's mission to advocate for proper care of those with Huntington's and for a cure. I am so moved by her strength and resilience.

In honor of Rachel's family and the tens of thousands of others who face Huntington's Disease, I am proud to lend my voice to this cause. May this month serve not only as a time of remembrance and education, but also a call to action. I ask my colleagues to do everything we can to help those living with rare diseases such as Huntington's Disease, and to fight for more research, better support, and even greater care.

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