Archive for October 3rd, 2019

As the nation celebrates Down Syndrome Awareness Month, the Global Down Syndrome Foundation recognizes and thanks our friends and partners in Congress, the President and the White House, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for making Down syndrome a national research priority by significantly increasing research funding for FY2019 federal budget and going forward.

We are grateful to our congressional leaders who have championed Down syndrome research, which is one of the least funded genetic conditions at the NIH. The efforts of House and Senate Appropriations Labor-Health and Human Services Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Ranking Member Tom Cole (R-OK), Chairman Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-WA) will improve the health and well-being of every person with Down syndrome as well as typical Americans living with and at risk for other diseases and genetic conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and autoimmune disorders.

Further, by holding the first ever congressional hearing on Down syndrome research, that included the moving testimony of Representatives Cheri Bustos (D-IL) and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), the American people gained a greater understanding of how harnessing the full power of the NIH and the national biomedical research enterprise will directly lead to improved treatments and eventually cures for these diseases that effect a majority of Americans. Global is honored and deeply grateful to you many other representatives including: Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Katherine Clark (D-MA), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Andy Harris (R-MD), John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Tom Graves (R-GA) for championing Down Syndrome Research at NIH.

In his recent statement recognizing Down Syndrome Awareness Month, President Donald J. Trump spoke about the importance of “an inclusive Nation, one where Americans with Down syndrome are embraced in schools, workplaces, and communities—one where discrimination can no longer cast a shadow of inequality.” We thank the Administration for affirming its commitment to Down syndrome research and for joining us in celebrating the lives of those with Down syndrome.

Global Down Syndrome Foundation is an inclusive organization. We encourage and appreciate people from all walks of life to support children and adults with Down syndrome.