The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation announced today that the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives passed House Concurrent Resolution 357 recognizing May 2006 as National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month.

“We are deeply grateful to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives for their support of our fight against cystic fibrosis,” said Robert J. Beall, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  “We are currently in the midst of some very promising research.  Our ability to make these Great Strides is dependent upon increased awareness and continued support.  The attention this resolution will bring to this formidable illness will help us advance the science that could ultimately lead to a cure.”

For the past six years, Senate resolutions have placed cystic fibrosis in the national spotlight through increased public awareness.  This year, the House supported the efforts by passing a resolution, which was introduced by Representatives Edward Markey (D-Mass.) and Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) and co-sponsored by 32 members of the House.  The Senate passed the House resolution with key support of Senators Michael Enzi (R-Wyo.), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), and Ken Salazar (D-Colo.)

National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month originated in 1999 when Lenora Degen, whose son has cystic fibrosis, gained the support of Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colo.), who embraced the mission of establishing a special recognition week for cystic fibrosis through a Senate resolution.  The campaign extended to a month-long event and is now held in May, in conjunction with the CF Foundation's national event, Great Strides, a walk to cure cystic fibrosis.