Tearful Julia appeals for medical research funds

Julia Roberts choked back tears as she described the death of a 10-year-old friend with Rett syndrome to US Congressmen.

Hollywood’s highest paid actress was in Washington to appeal for more money to fund research into the neurological disorder that mainly afflicts young girls.

‘‘This is very impressive and nerve-racking,’’ Roberts said as she took her seat for a subcommittee hearing responsible for public health spending.

‘‘I usually ramble, but this is important, so I’ll read,’’ she said.

The disease, which affects about 200,000 girls and women worldwide, leaves them unable to communicate and control body movements and functions.

Most develop severe disabilities by the age of three.

‘‘These are the voices that we hear today in the halls of Congress,’’ Roberts said over enthusiastic outbursts from children sitting behind her.

‘‘They listen but cannot speak. They struggle to do the many things we take for granted everyday.’’

Roberts said she decided to help raise public awareness for the condition after meeting Abigail Brodsky from Brooklyn, New York.

Abigail, who filmed a one hour documentary with the actress for the Discovery Health Channel, died in June aged 10.

‘‘Abigail was my pal,’’ Roberts said, choking back tears. ‘‘We spent time together without words. We connected with our eyes.’’

Roberts asked for the subcommittee to set aside €16m in its 2003 budget, which starts on October 1. This year, research on Rett syndrome received €3.9m from the government.