It only took him eight months, but U.S. Rep. Paul Broun got his first piece of legislation passed today. House Resolution 994 declares March 1 to be National Glanzmann’s Thrombasthenia Awareness Day.

“Glanzmann’s Thrombasthenia is a genetic blood disorder that presents a variety of symptoms that often causes it to be misdiagnosed. People suffering from this incurable disorder often suffer from life-threatening problems with uncontrollable bleeding and severe, painful bruising. In addition to raising awareness about this disorder, Broun’s resolution also commemorates the work being undertaken by Augusta’s Glanzmann’s Thrombasthenia Research Foundation, which was founded by Helen P. Smith in 2001.

‘As a practicing physician, I understand the harm that misdiagnoses of this disorder can cause to the many children and adults who suffer from Glanzmann’s Thrombasthenia,’ said Broun. ‘Because many leading physicians report that it presents symptoms that are often mistaken for other bleeding disorders, it is important to raise awareness of this disorder to prevent further misdiagnoses and to promote research. I am pleased to be able to help draw attention to this cause, and to add my support to the good work that is being done at Augusta’s Glanzmann’s Thrombasthenia Research Foundation. From now on, March 1st will serve as a special day to bring needed attention to this worthy cause.’

Congressman Broun’s bipartisan legislation was co-sponsored by every physician currently serving in the United States House of Representatives.”

First Glanzmann’s Thrombasthenia, then the Great Wall of Mexico, then an end to the slaughter of innocent feti. It’s all starting to come together.

I'm waiting on Barry Fleming to attack Broun for not raising awareness of ideopathic pulmonary fibrosis instead.

Blake.aued@onlineathens.com