SENATORS MURKOWSKI, DURBIN AND ENZI AND
CONGRESSMAN HOYER AMONG OTHER NOFAS HONOREES
 Washington D.C., June 1, 2005 – The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) hosted its annual Leadership Awards Benefit on Wednesday, May 18, in Washington, D.C. The event paid tribute to Senator Tom Daschle and Linda Hall Daschle for their nearly two decades of continuous commitment and leadership in the fight to prevent alcohol-related birth defects and support families living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Jennifer Goudy, a parent and caregiver of two young boys with FASD, joined dozens of other families offering praise for the Daschles, “Without your support we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
As a lasting tribute to the Daschles, NOFAS unveiled the Tom and Linda Daschle FASD Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame will serve as a weekly spotlight honoring the heroes living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and the families, advocates and researchers devoted to preventing and treating the disorder. Intended to inspire both the families living with the disorder and those fighting for the cause, each week a new hero will be permanently enshrined in this Hall of Fame.
Senator Tom Daschle rendered a heartfelt speech in which he said he was humbled by the words of so many families and individuals that recognized his efforts that evening. He remarked that he would now be able to devote more of his time to NOFAS’ work and FASD in general.
Tim and Cindy Whitcombs from New York along with their children Tyler and Natali admired the work of Senator Daschle by saying, “You are a role model for our son and for so many other American families.”
Senators Lisa Murkowski, Richard Durbin and Mike Enzi, Congressman Steny Hoyer, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Vice President Dr. Sterling Williams and pioneering FAS researcher Dr. Kenneth Lyons Jones were honored with the NOFAS Leadership Award for their attention to the issue. Senator Durbin, spoke about Senator Tom Daschle’s commitment to NOFAS and FASD saying, “I have had the pleasure to serve with Tom Daschle for eight years in the United States Senate. FASD research, prevention and treatment have always been on top of Tom’s priorities.”
Senator Lisa Murkowski said, “The progress we have made in the last year has been enormous. We know that prevention is the key to eradicating FASD. NOFAS is playing a critical role in educating physicians how to diagnose, educating teachers and the justice system.”
The NOFAS Leadership Awards Benefit was the culmination of a three day event featuring the NOFAS Affiliate Summit and the NOFAS second annual Hill Day, the largest FASD advocacy effort on Capitol Hill.
|