Laura Krummenacker and Heidi Hughes attend Mark O. Hatfield Clinical Research Center dedication

Pictured with NIH Director, Dr. Zerhouni are Ashley Appell, Laura Krummenacker and Heidi Hughes, all patients of Dr. William Gahl, Clinical Director, National Human Genome Research Institute of the NIH.

Laura Krummenacker and Heidi Hughes were two of several patient guests invited to the Dedication Ceremony of The Mark O. Hatfield Clinical Research Center on Wednesday, September 22, 2004.

Many distinguished members of the government were in attendance including Guest of Honor, Senator Mark O. Hatfield; Tommy G. Thompson, Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services; Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D., Director of the NIH; John I. Gallin, M.D., Director of the NIH Clinical Center; and Representative Bill Young (FL), Chairman of the House, Committee on Appropriations.

Heidi (FL), Laura (NY), and Amelia Douglas (MO) met at this historic site nearly 18 years ago and have remained 'Cystinosis Sisters' from that time forward. The girls were able to schedule their clinic visits together over the years, truly a blessing, in hind sight. Heidi even took her first steps as a baby (17 months old) with Dr. Gahl on hand at the NIH. These young ladies are now embarking on their college education.