Dear Representative

The Functional Gastrointestinal and Motility Disorders Research Enhancement Act, H.R. 2311 was introduced into the 114th Congress in 2015. This is an extremely important piece of legislation for individuals affected by digestive diseases.

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act August 29, 2016

to require the National Institutes of Health to expand, intensify, and coordinate its activities with respect to functional gastrointestinal and motility disorders (FGIMDs), including by:

• expanding basic and clinical research into FGIMDs by implementing the research recommendations of the National Commission on Digestive Diseases,

• providing support for the establishment of centers of excellence on FGIMDs,

• supporting innovative approaches to educating health care providers and patients regarding strategies that improve patient-provider relationships and care,

• directing the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) to provide the necessary funding for the continued expansion and advancement of the FGIMDs research portfolio, and

• directing NIDDK and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to expand research into FGIMDs that impact children.

The Department of Health and Human Services may engage in public awareness and education activities to increase understanding and recognition of FGIMDs.

Billie Sweeney, a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, coach, teacher, and friend passed away June 5, 2016, after a 21 year battle with Gastroparesis (paralysis of the stomach). During the 21 years of her fight against Gastroparesis, she also fought for Gastroparesis Awareness. She did not want one more person to not be able to eat and digest his/her food, puke and feel nauseated, and be in pain 24 hours each day like she was. Currently, there is no cure and few viable or effective treatment options for Gastroparesis and several other digestive diseases.

The H.R. 2311 Bill would eliminate the lack of education, awareness, and help that those suffering with digestive diseases are begging for. It is in her memory and all the other Americans that continue to suffer with digestive diseases that we ask you to continue to support this important legislation as a co-sponsor. We are also asking that when you go back in to session that you do everything in your realm to get this bill passed. Please help the millions of Americans who suffer every day from these debilitating diseases.

Thank you.