On May 16, 2012, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution (S. Res. 286) recognizing May 16, 2012, as Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) Awareness Day. The resolution, offered by Senator Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) and Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-Georgia), was the result of a year-long political advocacy effort to generate recognition of the significant need for increased professional education regarding HAE

HAE is a rare and potentially fatal genetic disorder, and to highlight the need for further research aimed at improving diagnosis and treatment options for patients. HAE is a very rare and potentially life-threatening genetic condition that occurs in about 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 50,000 people. HAE symptoms include episodes of edema (swelling) in various body parts including the hands, feet, face and airway.

The goals of HAE Awareness Day are to:

• Increase awareness of HAE among the general public and medical community
• Support better care and an earlier and more accurate diagnosis for HAE patients
• Raise funds for further national and international initiatives
• Enhance the understanding that HAE patients can lead a healthy life

The day will help launch the first biannual HAE Global Conference to be held at the Scandic Hotel Sydhavnen in Copenhagen, Denmark. Findings from the conference will be the impetus for additional HAE research.