The program, named after long-time Florida Congressman C.W. “Bill” Young, make it easier to coordinate bone marrow and cord blood donations.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Tarpon Springs, has called for the continued funding of a program designed to provide easier access to stem-cell transplants for those with life-threatening illnesses.

The Timely Re-Authorization of Necessary Stem-cell Programs Lends Access to Needed Therapies, or TRANSPLANT, Act would re-authorize funding for the  C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program and the National Cord Blood Inventory. Through renewed federal funding for the vital national bone marrow and cord blood registry and coordinating centers, which facilitate bone marrow and cord blood donations, the TRANSPLANT Act ensures the continued provision of lifesaving transplants to treat diseases like blood cancer, sickle cell anemia, and inherited metabolic or immune system disorders. Text of the bill can be found by clicking here.

Bilirakis is co-chair of the Congressional Caucus to Cure Blood Cancers and Other Blood Disorders. He proposed the TRANSPLANT Act in partnership with caucus co-chair Rep. Doris Matsui, D-CA, and Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-ME.

“This bill is about providing hope to those who are struggling with life-threatening illnesses,” Bilirakis said. “This federal program provides critical support in the advancement of research for better treatments and the infrastructure necessary to organize registries which help ensure transplant patients have access to life saving procedures. Its re-authorization is vital, and I hope our colleagues will join us in expediting passage of this important legislation.”

Matsui said, “For the 1.3 million Americans fighting painful and potentially life-threatening blood cancer or bone marrow disorders, a successful transplant brings hope and a second chance at life. Re-authorizing the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program, the ‘Be a Match’ National Registry, and the National Cord Blood Inventory are critical in connecting patients with donors and funding life-saving research to eradicate these devastating diseases. I am proud to introduce the TRANSPLANT Act so we can continue to support patients in need and those willing to give the gift of life.”

Pingree added, “Every year, more than 17,000 people are diagnosed with illnesses where bone marrow and cord blood donations can quite literally save their lives. I’m proud to be a lead sponsor of the TRANSPLANT Act, which will help secure and expand the work being done by the national donor registry and find matches for as many patients as we can.”

Bilirakis represents Florida’s 12th Congressional District, which includes all of Pasco County and the northern portions of Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.

Gus Bilirakis | Health | Medicine | Stem Cell | Politics | Tampabay News | News Tampa

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