Roberts Pleads for Research Funds
Actress Julia Roberts, choking back tears as she described the death of a 10-year-old girl with Rett syndrome, appealed Thursday for more money to research the neurological disorder that mainly afflicts young girls.
“This is very impressive and nerve-racking,” Roberts said as she took her seat in a crowded room for a hearing of the House Appropriations subcommittee responsible for public health spending.
“I usually ramble, but this is important, so I’ll read,” she said.
The disease, which affects about 200,000 girls and women worldwide, leaves them unable to communicate and control body movements and functions. Most develop severe disabilities by age 3.
“These are the voices that we hear today in the halls of Congress,” Roberts said over enthusiastic outbursts from children sitting behind her. “They listen but cannot speak. They struggle to do the many things we take for granted everyday.”
Roberts told lawmakers she decided to help raise public awareness for the condition after meeting Abigail Brodsky of Brooklyn, N.Y. Abigail, who filmed a one-hour documentary with the actress for the Discovery Health Channel, died in June at age 10.
“Abigail was my pal,” Roberts said, choking back tears. “We spent time together without words. We connected with our eyes.”
Roberts asked for the subcommittee to set aside $15.5 million in its 2003 budget, which starts Oct. 1. This year, research on Rett syndrome got $3.5 million in federal funds.
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