Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics' annual Asthma Awareness Day Capitol Hill (AADCH), held May 4-8, 2004, welcomed members of Congress, government officials, medical professionals and families from across the country.

Taking center stage was HR 2023 — The Asthmatic Schoolchildren's Treatment and Health Management Act, a congressional bill providing asthma-related funding preference to states that protect students' rights to carry and self-administer lifesaving asthma and anaphylaxis medications.

One year ago, only 20 states protected these students' rights for asthma. Since the introduction of the bill during Asthma Awareness Day 2003, that number has increased to 30 states, 18 of which also protect rights to carry anaphylaxis medications.

The Honorable Cliff Stearns (R-FL) who authored the bill and other Congressional sponsors stated, "HR 2023 is a bill all Democrats and Republicans can embrace."

The AADCH opening night Sunny Awards banquet honored those who work tirelessly to improve the lives of people living with asthma and anaphylaxis. 2004 award winners included Jim Davis, creator of Garfield cartoons, Lifetime Achievement Award; Paula Knish, RN, Making a Difference (State) Award; Stanley Galant, MD, Making a Difference (Community) Award; Rachael Lambin, age 13, Creative Kids Award; Evan Mungan, age 7, Creative Kids Award.

Speakers at the dinner and the Congressional briefing on Wednesday included Robert Meyer, MD, Federal Drug Administration; Elizabeth Cotsworth, Environmental Protection Agency; and Stephen Redd, MD, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.