Republican
District 16 October 10, 2002
RANZENHOFER, LEGISLATORS WELCOME "QT KANGA" TO ERIE COUNTY
Erie County Legislator Michael H. Ranzenhofer (R-Clarence) and the Erie County Legislature welcomed "QT Kanga" to Erie County in its legislative session on Thursday, October 3rd. QT Kanga is the inspirational mascot for children diagnosed with "Long Q-T Syndrome," a genetically-inherited heart condition.QT Kanga is visiting Erie County on part of a worldwide journey to visit several hundred Long Q-T Syndrome sufferers. The stop in Clarence was at the office of Dr. Wilson Greatbatch, inventor of the pacemaker.
Dr. Greatbatch's connection to QT Kanga comes from a visit to the Royal Childrens' Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, where he met Claire Foley, a young girl diagnosed with Long Q-T Syndrome. Claire's family is responsible for organizing a support group for people around the world who suffer from the same problem, and for adopting QT Kanga as their mascot. Four QT Kangas currently exist.
"As an elected official, I often have the opportunity to become involved with issues that touch your heart," said Ranzenhofer. "'QT Kanga serves a very unique and important role in the field of cardiology, and I'm pleased to be a part of celebrating the work it does, and the work of Dr. Greatbatch, here in Erie County."
For more information, please contact Legislator Ranzenhofer's District Office at 631-8695.