[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 13] [Senate] [Page 18212] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]CRANIOFACIAL ACCEPTANCE MONTH Mr. PRYOR. Mr. President, I rise today to call attention to the fact that September has been designated as Craniofacial Acceptance Month. Craniofacial abnormalities are abnormalities that affect the skull and face. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, ``craniofacial defects are among the most common of all birth defects. These disorders are often devastating to parents and children alike. Surgery, dental care, psychological counseling, and rehabilitation may help ameliorate the problems, but often at a great cost and over many years.'' Victims of craniofacial anomalies usually have to endure many expensive procedures throughout their lifetimes, the costs of which can add up to cost millions of dollars. Facial deformities give their victims a variety of aesthetic and developmental problems that differ in severity and occurrence. The common condition, cleft lip, an abnormality where the lip does not completely connect, can vary from a simple disconnect to a gaping opening that goes from the lip to the nose. It is easy to understand the developmental and respiratory problems this could present. Fortunately, this condition can usually be corrected through one or two simple reconstructive surgeries. But what about other anomalies that are not as easily corrected like craniosynostosis, a condition where the soft spots of an infant's skull close too early, hindering normal brain and skull growth? Or Goldenhar syndrome, where one side of the face is underdeveloped affecting the mouth, ear and jaw? Unfortunately these do not represent the most severe or rarest craniofacial defects. At only 10 months old, Wendelyn Osborne, who grew up in the small town of Ashdown, AR, was diagnosed with Craniometaphyseal Dysplasia, or simply CMD. CMD is a rare affliction which affects only 200 people worldwide and was depicted in the 1985 movie ``Mask'' starring Cher. CMD involves an overgrowth of bone which never deteriorates. This caused, in her case, an abnormal appearance, bilateral facial paralysis and deafness. Other cases can include those characteristics as well as blindness and joint pain. Yet despite the challenges she has faced, Wendelyn's life has truly been blessed. Her life expectancy was only 14 years at birth, but after 17 reconstructive surgeries and two hearing aids, Wendelyn is still alive today at the age of 40. It was not until 2003 that Wendelyn was able to meet and interact with other people with craniofacial conditions. She attended the Annual Cher's Family retreat and was introduced to CCA, the Children's Craniofacial Association. Wendelyn saw the impact of support and encouragement through the programs and the families associated with CCA, and has been active with the organization ever since. CCA has designated September as National Craniofacial Acceptance Month in hopes of raising awareness of individuals with facial differences. It is not a secret that appearance plays a key part in how individuals are accepted in our society. People with facial differences, in addition to medical problems, have a much harder time adjusting in society and developing successful relationships. Such individuals have to deal with a series of consequences that arise from uncontrollable circumstances of their birth. Marking September as National Craniofacial Acceptance Month brings attention to an issue that can no longer be ignored. Hopefully, by raising awareness of craniofacial defects, our larger society will begin to show understanding and acceptance of those who live with these physical, medical, and emotional challenges. Understanding and increased public awareness of craniofacial disorders and abnormalities would let people like Wendelyn Osborne and hundreds of thousands of innocent individuals know that they are not unwanted and not alone in their battle with craniofacial conditions. I would like to commend CCA on taking an important step to raise awareness about this issue. I join the Children's Craniofacial Association in looking forward to the day when our Nation will ``look beyond the face, to the heart within.'' I salute the Children's Craniofacial Association, Wendelyn Osborne, and all of the children and adults who live with these challenges and the families and persons who support them. ____________________