Honoring those persons whose lives have been taken by bacterial meningitis and those who continue to struggle with bacterial meningitis and its consequences, and supporting all work for the eradication of bacterial meningitis in the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Ryan Milley, a young man from Conroe, Texas who was born on September 20, 1979. In 1998, 18-year old Ryan lost his life to meningococcal meningitis.

As a result of Ryan's death his family founded Meningitis Angels, a national nonprofit organization that educates the public, health

professionals, child care facilities, schools and universities on not only meningitis but other vaccine preventable diseases through personal stories, educational brochures, posters and videos.

Meningitis Angels is dedicated to the support of victims of bacterial meningitis and their families. While helping families cope with the loss or care of a family member they also offer some hands on support for those children affected with bacterial meningitis.

Sadly, Meningitis Angels continues to grow. Meningitis Angels currently represents over 600 families across the U.S. and abroad.

Mr. Speaker, I cannot do justice to these families without speaking about this terrible and preventable disease.

Bacterial meningitis is an infection of the meninges, the thin lining that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.

It is a deadly, debilitating disease that especially affects infants, children, teenagers, young adults, and those with compromised immune systems.

People who have bacterial meningitis may have longterm complications and disabilities like permanent brain damage and long-term physical problems such as heart, kidney, or intestinal problems or could require amputations of the arms, legs and facial features. Infants and teens are highest risk for this disease.

The most effective way to protect your child against bacterial meningitis is to complete the recommended vaccine schedule. In many states, these vaccines are required for children in school and daycare.

The families of Meningitis Angels can tell you that these requirements are not frivolous or busy work.

So on their behalf, I ask that American families get vaccinated to prevent more tragedies.

I have offered H. Res. 403 to honor Ryan Wayne Milley, his remarkable mom Frankie, and all Meningitis Angels across the United States. Today is an appropriate day to remember Ryan and to support efforts to end the disease that took his life.