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.