[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 140 (Thursday, October 1, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2417]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE DESIGNATION OF SEPTEMBER AS CRANIOFACIAL ACCEPTANCE 
                                 MONTH-

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ERIC CANTOR

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 30, 2009

  Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the designation 
of the month of September as Craniofacial Acceptance Month.
  September has been designated as Craniofacial Acceptance Month to 
raise awareness and acceptance of the courageous children and adults 
who live daily with craniofacial deformities. These brave patients and 
their families often face significant medical challenges over the 
course of their lives. While the commonly known cleft palate or cleft 
lip condition may call for a simple surgical fix, there are many other 
unique and complex anomalies which can require extensive surgeries 
throughout a child's developmental years.
  In the 7th District of Virginia, a young constituent of mine named 
Chase has a moderately severe craniofacial deformity. At the age of 9, 
he has already had 28 surgeries and hospitalizations to improve his 
ability to breathe, walk, see, hear, and talk. He will need more 
surgeries as he grows. Despite his many challenges, Chase and his 
family celebrate his growth and milestones with joy. His unique medical 
needs do not stop him from riding the bus to school and making friends. 
His big smile and enthusiasm for life have enabled Chase and his family 
to approach each day with a positive outlook.
  This month also marks the 20th anniversary of the Children's 
Craniofacial Association, an incredible charitable organization that 
offers a network of resources and assistance to families with children 
who have deformities. The association's mission is to ``widen the 
circle of acceptance,'' through promoting the message that ``beyond the 
face, there is a heart.'' I would like to commend the CCA for 
connecting Chase, his family and other families across America with 
resources to improve the lives of these patients. I encourage all of my 
colleagues to join me in raising awareness of the needs of these 
extraordinary individuals.

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