WASHINGTON, DC -- The Kentucky Congressional delegation is rallying behind their colleague, Rep. Andy Barr, in support of the CAROL Act, a bipartisan bill honoring the memory of his wife in the fight against valvular heart disease. The Cardiovascular Advances in Research and Opportunities Legacy (CAROL) Act aims to support research and raise awareness about the disease that unexpectedly took Carol Leavell Barr’s life last year. U.S. Representatives Hal Rogers, Brett Guthrie, James Comer and John Yarmuth have all signed on as cosponsors of Congressman Barr’s legislation.

“Carol Barr was a beautiful light in our world and this namesake legislation will carry forward the impact of her life throughout the country, potentially saving the lives of other individuals unknowingly suffering from valvular heart disease,” said Rep. Rogers, Dean of the Kentucky Congressional Delegation. “I commend my good friend, Congressman Andy Barr, for turning this personal tragedy into an opportunity to save lives and help individuals understand the underlying risks associated with a common heart problem. As cosponsors, this Kentucky delegation stands with Congressman Barr in full support of the CAROL Act.”

“I am proud to support this legislation to raise awareness and promote comprehensive research of valvular heart disease, the risks associated, and help prevent the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of this condition," said Rep. Yarmuth. "I thank and commend my colleague and friend, Congressman Andy Barr, for his courage in transforming an unimaginable loss into a remarkable effort to save lives and help others. It’s truly a testament to the love that he and Carol shared, as well as Andy’s commitment to this important cause. I am honored to join my fellow Kentuckians in support of this measure.”

“Carol Barr never met a stranger, and the CAROL Act will help ensure her legacy lives on,” said Rep. Guthrie. “I am pleased to support my good friend and colleague Congressman Andy Barr in advancing research and raising awareness on valvular heart disease to help save lives so that no other family loses a loved one too soon due to this disease. I’m proud to support the CAROL Act along with the rest of the Kentucky delegation to continue Carol’s legacy and help people living with valvular heart disease.”

“I’m proud to join my Kentucky colleagues in supporting Representative Barr’s legislation in honor of his late wife Carol that will support new research and raise awareness for valvular heart disease,” said Rep. Comer. “With the bipartisan CAROL Act, we have the opportunity to strengthen the fight against this rare form of heart disease and hopefully save lives.”

Each year, approximately 25,000 Americans lose their lives to valvular heart disease, predominately young women. The CAROL Act authorizes a grant program administered by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), supporting research on valvular heart disease. The legislation would also generate much-needed new data, and bring together experts to identify gaps in research and prescriptive guidelines for treatment of patients with MVP. It also instructs the Centers for Disease Control to increase public awareness regarding symptoms of valvular heart disease and effective strategies for preventing sudden cardiac death. The CAROL Act has been endorsed by the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, and WomenHeart.