By Rep. Myra Crownover Dist. 64
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN. TX On December 1 2009 the Texas Department of State Health Services began testing all newborn Texans for Cystic Fibrosis. In the first year of testing 51 babies born in Texas were given a better outlook on life because of their early diagnosis.
Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system. When detected early those affected can avoid many of the most serious complications of the disease through preventative care and treatment. Early detection of the disease is key because in many cases irreversible damage is done before symptoms are properly diagnosed.
During the 81st Legislative Session Representative Myra Crownover fought hard to secure funding to screen all Texas newborns for Cystic Fibrosis. The addition of CF to the list of genetic disorders Texans are screened for brought the list to 29 disorders and in line with the recommendations of the American College of Medical Genetics. When Representative Crownover began working on this issue Texas only screened for 7 of the 29 disorders.
While I am extremely proud of the work my colleagues and I did to make this happen my thoughts and prayers are with the families who face the daunting task of raising a child with one of these disorders." said Crownover. I am extremely grateful to Dr. Susan Tanksley and her staff at the state laboratory for their hard work and support on this issue."
Crownover has represented District 64 in the Texas House of Representatives since 2000. House District 64 includes portions of Denton County; Denton Lake Dallas Corinth Shady Shores Hickory Creek Lakewood Village Little Elm Oak Point and The Colony north of 121.
