Pocan, Cline Introduce Resolution Recognizing April as Undiagnosed Awareness Month

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02) and Ben Cline (VA-06) introduced a resolution to recognize April as Undiagnosed Awareness Month and April 29th as Undiagnosed Day. An estimated 25 million Americans live with rare, ultra-rare, and undiagnosed conditions. Since 2014, the National Institutes of Health and the Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) - a network of over 24 clinical and research sites across the country at premier medical institutions and universities - have discovered 97 previously unknown diseases, made over 1,000 diagnoses, and continue to deliver answers at the cutting edge of biomedical research.

"The struggle, sacrifice, and advocacy of the patients and families suffering from undiagnosed diseases must be acknowledged and recognized," said Congressman Pocan. "Bringing awareness to the millions of Americans undergoing this difficult diagnostic journey is a small but critical step towards building community for those seeking answers, and towards driving better outcomes and research for undiagnosed diseases. I'm thankful to Rep. Cline for joining me in leading this resolution to recognize April as Undiagnosed Awareness Month and April 29th as Undiagnosed Day."

"Millions of Americans live with rare and undiagnosed conditions that can often take countless scans, tests, doctors' visits, and years to identify," said Rep. Cline. "It is important to bring awareness to the hardships of patients and their families suffering from undiagnosed diseases. I am proud to co-lead a bipartisan resolution to acknowledge and recognize the sacrifice, advocacy, and endurance of patients with undiagnosed diseases."

"Every patient and family deserves the dignity of feeling heard, respected and cared for, including those living with an undiagnosed condition. Despite nearly 1 in 10 people in the United States being impacted by a rare, ultra-rare, or undiagnosed condition they are often isolated and invisible. The journey to a diagnosis is long, traumatic, and costly. Patients often see dozens of doctors and undergo countless tests, spending 5-7 years or even much longer before getting any answers. Recognition of Undiagnosed Month will not only bring awareness but will drive progress, ensuring that the research, diagnostic, and care needs for this community are understood and addressed," saidDanielle Carnival, Ph.D., CEO, Undiagnosed Diseases Network Foundation.

Cosponsors of the resolution include: Pocan (WI-02), Cline (VA-06), Norton (DC-AL), Rutherford (FL-05)

Text of the resolution can be found here.