[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 157 (Tuesday, October 27, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2643]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNITION OF OCTOBER AS NATIONAL SPINA BIFIDA AWARENESS MONTH

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                           HON. MIKE QUIGLEY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 27, 2009

  Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of October as 
National Spina Bifida Awareness Month. During the month of October, the 
Spina Bifida Association seeks to bring awareness to the nation's most 
common permanently disabling birth defect--affecting 3,000 pregnancies 
every year. New data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention 
(CDC) has found that there are 154,000 Americans with Spina Bifida, 
double what was previously thought. Increasing awareness of Spina 
Bifida will also focus attention on the need to expand and intensify 
evidence-based research to improve the quality of life of those living 
with Spina Bifida.
  Spina Bifida is a disease that occurs within the first month of 
pregnancy and leaves a permanent opening in the spinal column, which 
subsequently impacts nearly every organ system. People with this birth 
defect face many complications--including physical, developmental, 
educational and vocational challenges, to name just a few. All women of 
childbearing age are at risk for having a Spina Bifida affected 
pregnancy.
  Too many Americans suffer needlessly from this birth defect when many 
cases are preventable. An estimated 70 percent of neural tube defects, 
including Spina Bifida, are preventable through consumption of folic 
acid prior to pregnancy. National Spina Bifida Awareness Month plays a 
critical role in conveying this prevention message to the public. As a 
2005 study uncovered, the current system of care for people with Spina 
Bifida does not fully meet current or anticipated needs, and physicians 
have little evidence-based research on which to build appropriate 
treatments. A greater commitment to prevention and improving quality of 
life for those affected by Spina Bifida is absolutely necessary.
  Drs. Cheng and Yerkes, who are pediatric urologists at Children's 
Memorial Hospital in the 5th Congressional District of Illinois, and 
are on the Professional Advisory Council of the Spina Bifida 
Association, visited my Washington office on October 20, 2009 to 
discuss the challenges facing children with Spina Bifida. I thank Drs. 
Cheng and Yerkes and the Spina Bifida Association for all of their 
efforts and leadership over the years.
  I stand ready to work with my constituents and the Spina Bifida 
Association to help elevate awareness of this condition and its 
prevention. I urge my colleagues to learn more about Spina Bifida, to 
meet with affected constituents, and to support the Spina Bifida 
Association in its important endeavors.

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