[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 171 (Wednesday, October 18, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E991]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING OCTOBER AS NATIONAL SPINA BIFIDA AWARENESS MONTH

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                            HON. PAUL TONKO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 18, 2023

  Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise to recognize October as 
National Spina Bifida Awareness Month and to pay tribute to my 
constituents with Spina Bifida and their loved ones. Additionally, I 
recognize October 25th, as World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day.
  There are currently an estimated 166,000 individuals in the United 
States living with Spina Bifida. According to the CDC, each year 
approximately 1,400 babies born in the United States have spina bifida. 
Those diagnosed with Spina Bifida can expect to spend most of their 
lives in a wheelchair, or walking with braces, and face the prospect of 
dozens of surgeries they turn 18.
  I have been honored to attend numerous events in the Capital Region, 
including the Spina Bifida Walk and Roll and the Spina Bifida Dare to 
Dream Gala, both of which are held by the Spina Bifida Association 
(SBA) of Northeastern New York, that have raised funds for research, 
brought awareness to the public, and told the stories of those in our 
community with this disease. I am heartened to attend events like 
these. which do so much to honor those with spina bifida, as well as 
their friends, families, and caretakers.
  I am so impressed with the breakthroughs in research that have helped 
to give those living with this disease a more fulfilling life. Thanks 
to the work of organizations like SBA, new medical treatments and 
technologies have been developed that allow most people with Spina 
Bifida to live a normal life span, ensuring they can have a full 
career, get married, and start a family--no different than those 
without this disease.
  I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House of 
Representatives to ensure that organizations like the Spina Bifida 
Association continue to receive the funding and support they have 
earned. I also will continue to support federal research funding for 
better understanding the condition, the cause, and treatments. I hope 
that together we can continue to raise awareness.

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