[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 131 (Wednesday, October 3, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10149-S10150]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      SPINA BIFIDA AWARENESS MONTH

 Mr. BROWNBACK. Madam President. I rise today to alert my 
colleagues that October is Spina Bifida Awareness month.
  Many Americans don't know much about Spina Bifida. For instance, most 
don't know Spina Bifida is a neural tube defect and occurs when the 
central nervous system does not properly close during the early stages 
of a child's development in the womb. Even fewer American's realize 
that the most severe form of Spina Bifida occurs in 96 percent of 
children born with this disease. However, thanks to the good work that 
the Spina Bifida Association of America is carrying out to promote the 
prevention of Spina Bifida and to enhance the lives of all affected by 
this condition, we are all learning more every day.
  During the month of October the Association makes a special push to 
increase public awareness about Spina Bifida, and future parents about 
prevention. Simply by taking a daily dose of the B vitamin, folic acid, 
found in most multivitamins women of childbearing age have the power to 
reduce the incidence of Spina Bifida by up to 75 percent. That such a 
simple change in habit can have such a profound effect should leave no 
question as to the importance of awareness.
  However, awareness is not the only important work done by the Spina 
Bifida Association of America. The Association was founded in 1973 to 
address the needs of the Spina Bifida community and is currently the 
only national organization solely dedicated to advocating on behalf of 
the Spina Bifida community. There are more than 60 chapters serving 
over 100 communities nationwide.
  One such chapter in Wichita, KS, was started by Tammy and Tim Wolke. 
Tammy and Tim have four children, two of whom are adopted. Not only do 
these heroic parents care for one child born with Spina Bifida, but 
also a child with cerebral palsy. But caring for their own children 
just hasn't been enough to keep Tammy and Tim busy. So, in their ``free 
time,'' the Wolkes have developed and cultivated a chapter of the Spina 
Bifida Association of America which serves about 200 families in their 
part of Kansas.
  As we discuss the wonderful work of the Spina Bifida Association of 
America and the Wolkes, I would be remiss if I failed to mention 
another great Kansan. In 1988, the Association established a 
scholarship fund to enhance opportunities for individuals with Spina 
Bifida to achieve their full potential through higher education. This 
year's four year scholarship of $20,000 was recently awarded to 
Jennifer Maxton of Derby, KS. Thanks to this scholarship, Jennifer will 
be able to attend the school of her dreams at the University of Kansas. 
Jennifer is a truly amazing person who wants to become a pediatric 
surgeon and study abroad in Nepal. As if those goals weren't lofty 
enough, Jennifer hopes to some day climb Mount Everest. Jennifer wants 
to improve the lives of others who have not been as fortunate as she. 
This scholarship will start her down this path. I wish her the best of 
luck as she begins her academic life this fall as a Jayhawk.
  I would also be remiss if I failed to mention that this evening, the 
Spina Bifida Association of America will be holding its 13th annual 
event to benefit the Association and its work in local communities 
around the country. Washington Post Sports columnist, Tony Kornheiser 
will be roasted at this event by a number of distinguished members of 
the Washington community, including our Congressional colleagues 
Senator Clinton and Representative Steve Largent. I regret that I will 
be unable to join my friends

[[Page S10150]]

tonight, but wish to commend the Association for all of its hard work 
to prevent and reduce suffering from this birth defect and to improve 
the lives of those 70,000 individuals living with Spina Bifida 
throughout our Nation. I wish the Spina Bifida Association of America 
the best of luck in its endeavors and urge all of my colleagues and all 
Americans to support its important efforts.
  God bless the Spina Bifida Association and God bless America.

                          ____________________