[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 124 (Thursday, September 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1868]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN RECOGNITION OF CRANIOFACIAL ACCEPTANCE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. MIKE ROSS

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 27, 2006

  Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to share my support and 
acknowledgement of September as Craniofacial Acceptance Month.
  Each year approximately 100,000 children are born in the United 
States with some form of facial disfigurement. In many cases, 
reconstructive surgeons can correct these problems early--often while 
the children are still infants. In other cases, however, reconstruction 
is not so easy or even possible. The Children's Craniofacial 
Association, CCA, is an organization that supports these children and 
their families. Through CCA's continued dedication and efforts, I am 
pleased to share my support and thanks for their designation of 
September as Craniofacial Acceptance Month.
  In 2001, my constituent, Wendelyn Osborne, brought the craniofacial 
disorders issue to my attention. At a young age Wendelyn was diagnosed 
with craniometaphyseal dysplasia, CMD. CMD is a rare disorder that 
affects only 200 people worldwide. Specifically, CMD involves an 
overgrowth of bone which never deteriorates. In Wendelyn's case, this 
caused an abnormal appearance, bilateral facial paralysis and deafness. 
Other cases can include those characteristics as well as blindness and 
joint pain. Wendelyn has had to go through 17 reconstructive surgeries 
to counteract the medical difficulties that comprise her disorder.
  Unfortunately, the majority of reconstructive surgeries, such as 
these that Wendelyn has undergone, are not covered by insurance 
companies. Rather, many of them are treated as strictly cosmetic. As a 
result, individuals are forced to fight their insurance companies just 
to receive the life-saving surgeries they need. The fact that these 
surgeries have been grouped in the same ``cosmetic'' category as 
surgeries that simply make people look better or younger is a tragedy.
  Wendelyn's story inspired me to introduce legislation that would 
assist these thousands of individuals who are affected by a 
craniofacial disorder. My legislation, the Reconstructive Surgery Act, 
would ensure nationwide insurance coverage for medically necessary 
reconstructive surgeries.
  It is my hope that further education and understanding of 
craniofacial disorders will allow our nation to move forward and update 
existing laws to better meet the medical needs of those needing 
reconstructive, not cosmetic, surgery. I urge my colleagues to join in 
this effort and help recognize these conditions through Craniofacial 
Acceptance Month so that all Americans can access the care they need.

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