My name is Autumn Conaway. I am 12 years old, in the 8th grade honor class at my junior high school and am suffering from FSGS.

Because of FSGS, many days I cannot go to school because of doctor appointments or from being too ill. I missed so many days that my mother received a letter from school stating that if I missed anymore school she would be taken to court with a fine of $25.00 to $200.00 per absence. Two years ago, I was so ill I could not even finish the end of 5th grade. My medications have side effects like making me so tired that it’s hard for me to wake-up for school, and one even caused me to develop cataracts. In the last two years, I have gone from taking two medications a day to taking five medications a day. One of the medications I take does not allow me to be in the sun so sometimes I cannot play in the summertime with my friends. It isn’t only hard for me; it is hard for my mom because she has had trouble with her insurance company. In fact, one month the insurance company refused to pay for my visit to the kidney specialist. However, I was fortunate that he was able to see me at no cost.

My friends, family members, church members, and even strangers have supported me, but that is not enough. More research and awareness programs are needed. That is why I am asking you, Mr. Chairman and other members of- the subcommittee, to help us find the cause and cure for FSGS, to help other children, like me, live normal lives.