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On July 31, 2009, Rep. Jim McDermott introduced in the House the Mitochondrial Medicine Research and Treatment Enhancement Act, known as H.R. 3502. On December 10, 2009, Sen. Barbara Boxer introducedS.2858, a companion bill in the Senate called The Brittany Wilkinson Mitochondrial Disease Research and Treatment Enhancement Act. Click on the links below for information about the legislation. What is the legislation designed to do? When was H.R. 3502 introduced? Who are the original 13 Co-Sponsors of H.R. 3502? Where can I find the names of additional Co-Sponsors of H.R. 3502? Where can I find a copy of H.R.3502? When was S. 2858 Introduced? How did S.2858 come to be known as the "Brittany Wilkinson Mitochondrial Disease Research and Treatment Enhancement Act"? Who are the Original 3 Co-Sponsors of S.2858? Where can I find the names of additional Co-Sponsors of S.2858? Where can I view and print a copy of S.2858? How can I help support H.R. 3502 and S.2858? I have a scheduled a meeting with my Congressman or Senator. What do I need to tell them? Where can I download materials to leave with my Congressman or Senator? What should I do if I have additional advocacy questions? Where can I see the number of letters sent to the Senate and Congress? What is the the legislation designed to do?
Both measures expand existing research efforts at the NIH and foster greater coordination among NIH Institutes involved with different aspects of mitochondrial research to improve our understanding of mitochondrial disease and dysfunction and to develop treatments for mitochondrial disease.
H.R. 3502 was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on July 31, 2009, through the leadership of Rep. Jim McDermott (D-7th/WA). Rep. McDermott has been a longtime champion for those who are affected by mitochondrial disease. In remarks on the House Floor, Rep. McDermott said H.R. 3502 will "authorize important additional steps to be taken in a national effort to address the challenges and promising research opportunities presented by mitochondrial disease and dysfunction. The study of mitochondrial disease and dysfunction presents unique research challenges and immense o pportunities. Mitochondrial medicine is a truly cross-cutting area of research."Researchers have determined that mitochondrial dysfunction is at the core of many common diseases and conditions that affect millions of people, including: Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, ALS, and Gulf War Syndrome and others. Recent studies have also demonstrated a link to autism. H.R. 3502 will foster a greater understanding of mitochondrial function that could lead to treatments for a wide range of conditions and potentially help millions of people. (back to the top of the page) Who are the original co-sponsors of H.R. 3502?
Where can I find a copy of H.R. 3502? (back to the top of the page) When was S. 2858 introduced?  S.2858 was introduced on the Senate Floor by Sen. Barbara Boxer on December 9, 2009. How did S. 2858 come to be known as the "Brittany Wilkinson Mitochondrial Disease Research and Treatment Enhancement Act"? Brittany Wilkinson is the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation's first Youth Ambassador. Brittany was a resident of Clovis, California and bravely battled mitochondrial disease. In her young life, Brittany worked tirelessly to raise awareness about mitochondrial disease. She adovcated not only on the local and statetwide level, but was in contact with many elected officials across the United States.
On September 6, 2009, Brittany Wilkinson lost her battle with mitochondrial disease. In Brittany's honor, Senator Boxer named the bill after her as a tribute to those who bravely battle mitochondrial disease every day and for those who have lost their battle. Who are the original co-sponsors of S.2858?
Who are the additional co-sponsors of S.2858? None at this time. Call your Senator or visit the Advocacy Action Center and urge your Senator to be a co-sponsor of S.2858 Where can I view and print a copy of S.2858? 1. Visit the UMDF Advocacy Action Center. In the Action Center, we have created several letters that you can edit and automatically send to thank our elected officials and to ask for their support. Co-Sponsor H.R. 3502 - a letter that you can send to your U.S. Representative. The letter outlines the purpose of H.R. 3502 and asks your Congressman to consider co-sponsoring the measure. NOTE - THIS LETTER CAN BE EDITED SO THAT YOU CAN INCLUDE PERSONAL INFORMATION. Before the last paragraph, you will see (insert a personal paragraph). Delete this and add your paragraph. Even if you do not wish to personalize your letter, delete (insert a personal paragraph), otherwise, the letter that you send will have (insert a personal paragraph) included. Thank You For Your Leadership in the House- If your Representative is a co-sponsor, you need to thank them for their leadership role in H.R. 3502. A letter that you may edit is available. If your Representative is not yet a co-sponsor, you will see the following message: "Your legislative districts do not match the restrictions for this action item" Click the 'back' button and return to the Action Center. Thank You For Your Leadership in the Senate- If your U.S. Senator is a co-sponsor, you need to thank them for their leadership role in S.2858. A letter that you may edit is available. If your Representative is not yet a co-sponsor, you will see the following message: "Your legislative districts do not match the restrictions for this action item" Click the 'back' button and return to the Action Center.
2. Schedule a Meeting with your Congressman or U.S. Senator. 248 people participated in the UMDF's Day on the Hill. The result of that one single day of advocacy is H.R. 3502 and S.2858 ! Don't stop now. If you had a meeting on Capitol Hill --- FOLLOW UP WITH ANOTHER. If you could not make it to Washington, D.C., schedule a meeting in your home town! I have a scheduled a meeting with my Congressman or Senator. TALKING POINTS FOR CONGRESSIONAL/SENATORIAL MEETINGS - click here. (back to the top of the page) MITOCHONDRIAL DISEASE WHITE PAPER- This paper provides your House or Senate member with an overview of mitochondrial disease and the current state of research. LETTER FROM THE SCIENTIFIC AND MEDICAL COMMUNITY TO THE PRESIDENT - This letter was signed and sent to President Barack Obama. It calls for expanded research at the NIH level. It was signed by more than 70 members of the scientific and medical community. ABOUT UMDF- an informational overview that details the UMDF's mission and purpose LINKS TO OTHER DISEASES- Information that demonstrates the links between mitochondrial dysfunction and other, more well known diseases. PLEASE NOTE: If you schedule a meeting in your home district with your Congressman or Senator, it is important that you let us know if your Congressman or Senator has agreed to co-sponsor the legislation. You may email us at cliff@umdf.org with details. What should I do if I have additional advocacy questions? You can either call us at the UMDF or email your question. Phone 888.317.UMDF(8633) or cliff@umdf.org. You may also find your answer in our Advocacy Toolkit. Click here to view the Toolkit.
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