The research examined, “Whether light drinking in pregnancy is linked to unfavourable developmental outcomes in children,” and concluded, “While children born to light drinkers appeared to have more favourable developmental profiles compared to those born to mothers who did not drink during pregnancy, after statistical adjustment these differences largely disappeared.”

The research was supported by University College, London and is the latest effort, in part, to create an evidence-base to support the “light” consumption of alcohol during pregnancy and influence public opinion on the subject. NOFAS understands that because alcohol consumption is an important lifestyle choice for many women in the United Kingdom and Western Europe (and the United States) some condone light drinking during pregnancy.

However, alcohol is a confirmed teratogen or substance capable of interfering with healthy development of the embryo or fetus. Like other teratogens such as carbon monoxide, lead, mercury, and sodium cyanide, alcohol may cause birth defects and developmental disabilities.

In general, the risk of harm to the fetus associated with exposure to alcohol corresponds to the amount, pattern, and type of alcohol consumed, although there are other not clearly understood factors such as genetic predisposition and the nutritional and general health status of the mother.

Fortunately, not all women who consume alcohol during pregnancy have offspring with birth defects. Because of genetic differences some fetuses are more susceptible to brain damage and other consequences of prenatal alcohol exposure. Many animal studies show that occasional exposure to alcohol can harm a genetically susceptible mouse brain (the paper published in BJOG ignores the body of research linking light drinking to developmental delays, increased risk of stillbirth, growth deficiency, and other birth defects). The human genetic predisposition that either increases the risk or provides protective resistance is unknown. Because any human fetus is potentially vulnerable, the only safe recommendation is to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy.

The paper acknowledges that, “There may be ‘sleeper’ effects, whereby developmental problems associated with mothers’ drinking in pregnancy merge later in childhood.” Indeed, as FASD and alcohol and pregnancy experts, Susan Astley Ph.D. and Therese Grant Ph.D. have written, “Over 30 years of research on fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) confirms that alcohol has its greatest impact on complex brain functions. This is why children exposed to and damaged by prenatal alcohol exposure look deceptively good in the preschool years. The full impact of their alcohol exposure will not be evident until their adolescent years.”

Perhaps the most interested effect of the research is the media interpretation and reporting of its conclusions. This one from the Daily Mirror, “Mothers-to-be ‘can safely enjoy two drinks a week without harming their baby’ (and their child may be better behaved than if they abstained),” and many others, make claims that the research does not. In a separate article, NOFAS will examine the often exaggerated and outright inaccurate headlines reporting on the publication of the research.

Some are eager to identify a “threshold” of safe alcohol use during pregnancy. For what purpose? Certainly not for the sake of the unborn child, who ultimately bears the risk. While the risk may be reduced with “light drinking,” it can only be eliminated entirely by abstaining completely from alcohol.

The bottom line remains that while the risk of harm is dependent on many factors, a toxic substance is always a toxic substance. From a common sense standpoint, why take any risk, especially an unnecessary one.

You don’t need a connection to FASD to wear the pendant, but by purchasing it you are supporting women who may be struggling to reclaim their lives. Wearing the “Warrior Mom” pendant lets others know that you believe in approaching FASD prevention and recovery from alcohol or substance addiction with an open heart.

The Circle of Hope (COH), also known as the Birth Mother’s Network (BMN), was founded in 2004. It is a network of women who have consumed alcohol during pregnancy and may have a child or children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).

Members are lovingly referred to as “Warrior Moms” because of their incredible strengths. Many of the women are in recovery from alcoholism, or alcohol and drug addiction. However, the network also includes women without the disease of addiction, but who drank alcohol during pregnancy. The women of the COH/BMN support one another in recovery and/or through the challenges of parenting a child with FASD. They serve as mentors to one another, and collectively seek to overcome the stigmatization of alcoholism, addiction and FASD.

To learn more about the COH contact Kathy Mitchell at NOFAS.

“This devastating disease is entirely preventable, and yet it continues to impact our communities,” said Johnson. “The bill we reintroduced today seeks a balance between directing federal resources to prevention and research activities and services for individuals living with FASD and their families.”

The bill would provide federal grants for pilot projects to determine and implement the best practices for educating children with FASD within school systems, as well as educating professionals about services for children. Funding would also be made available to improve services for individuals who experience trouble with the law and become involved in the Juvenile or criminal justice systems.

Prospects for a companion bill in the House of Representatives are uncertain. NOFAS encourages advocates to contact their U.S. Senators and urge them to consider cosponsoring the legislation.

The Center promotes the prevention of FASD and addresses the needs of individuals and families affected by FASD. Northrop Grumman and its partners will provide services to prevent alcohol-exposed pregnancies and the affects of the disorder on individuals by screening women of childbearing age and individuals with an FASD for substance abuse and/or mental disorders and making appropriate service referrals in order to improve their lives.

Carson and his family live in Tallahassee, Florida. He loves sports including flag football and basketball. He’s favorite professional basketball player is Jimmer Fredette and his favorite team is BYU (Brigham Young University Cougars). Besides sports he excels in spelling, brings home 100% test scores, but he does struggle with other subjects like math and reading.

Earlier this month on a Caribbean cruise, Tracey and Trent competed in the Castaway Cay 5k race to raise awareness and funds for FAS. Tracy finished 7th overall (2nd female) with a time of 27:05 and Trent finished with a time of 41:11 (first, he jokes in the overweight, over 40 year-old category). They got their friends and others to sponsor them and exceeded their goal of raising $250 for NOFAS, raising $255.

They plan to go cruising again in November with a group of over 30 family and friends and hope to get at least 10 or more to run with them (including Carson) as a fundraiser for NOFAS and FAS awareness; their goal for that race is $1000.

While the family is working hard to meet Carson’s needs they are happy to have a diagnosis and support from our community. NOFAS is pleased to recognize Trent, Tracey and their whole family for their generosity and their efforts to raise awareness about the risk of drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

Lena and son Johannes

Lena was born with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including a clubfoot, malformations of her fingers, and congenital heart problems that needed several surgeries. Lena was born with these lifelong damages to her body and brain because her mother drank while she was pregnant. When Lena was one and a half years old, she was taken from her mother and was placed in the foster care system where she would live until her 21^st birthday. Contrary to how some would respond in the face of Lena’s challenges, Lena’s experiences perpetuated her spirit of happiness.

Throughout her early development and throughout grade school, Lena had a normal IQ and went to school, but had larger problems with learning and attention. Not only did Lena struggle with certain aspects of academia, but she also ran into social and emotional issues stemming from difficulties with social life. She felt like an outsider, didn’t understand social cues, couldn’t make friends, and consistently felt like an outsider. She was often teased and bullied, lending to feelings of frustration, sadness, and depression.  These internalized feelings manifested themselves into many years of self-harming behaviors, including anorexia and bulimia. In spite of the academic, social, and emotional troubles Lena experienced in school, she persevered through the educational system with the help of a few teachers. She graduated as a nursing assistant.

Lena had several attempts at a job as an adult, including a quick stint as an au pair and four years as a nursing assistant at a nursing home, but nothing ever resulted in long-term job satisfaction and success. Her work mates had too high of expectations and Lena often felt like she could not live up to their expectations or relate to them. Even if she did understand the tasks at hand, Lena would react too slowly, couldn’t keep attention, and felt like she was constantly forgetting and messing things up. Lena still struggles relating to people and finds that sometimes people can be uncomfortable around her. Her social skills have led her to troublesome situations and relationships, including emotional and physical victimization. She finds it hard to be a good judge of character and feels naïve at times. Lena says ‘I want to believe that all people are good, but they are not’.

As a single mother with FAS, parenting can be a challenge, but Lena says joy outweighs all the rest.  Her nine year old son, Johannes, understands that his mother has FAS because Lena reads him childrens books about the disability. Lena says that being a single parent is not easy for anyone and to be a single parent when you have FAS is tough. For example, helping her son with his homework is difficult. Even if she understands what he is supposed to do, she cannot explain it to him. A growing boy also needs parenting and limits. It’s hard for her to set the right limits – and to stick to them. To manage as a single parent with FAS, Lena is in need of extra help. She goes to parent education courses, which teach her how to cope and set limits. To organize herself, Lena uses step by step pictures to sequence her schedule. The parenting classes and this unique organizational method bring relief to her.

To center herself, Lena writes poetry  and pulls from the strength of God and the support of her church. She converted to Catholicism and has been on a pilgrim journey to Medjugorje, Bosnia twice. Amidst her challenges living with FAS, Lena’s life is joyous. She loves people and animals, and when her young son is in school on a more consistent basis, Lena would like to spend time outside, working with animals. Lena currently serves as a support person for people with disabilities for an online/postal Christian support group. Lena says that she likes to cook, and like most things in her life, tries to keep it simple. She is a self proclaimed social, happy, smiling person. Lena emphasizes her ability to laugh at herself and exclaims that her life is not full of many failures! She has managed to overcome many challenges in her life. She is a fighter.

Lena says ‘These journeys have changed me very much and have given me the joy of life!  Thank you for listening and God bless you all!’

Prior to working in Los Angeles, Mr. Edwards worked with the Office of the Public Defender in San Diego and Riverside County, California. From 1999 to 2001, Mr. Edwards worked as a staff attorney for the Office of the Capital Collateral Counsel in Tallahassee, Florida. Mr. Edwards represented inmates under sentence of death in state and federal courts.

On a pro bono basis, Mr. Edwards represented inmates with intellectual disabilities or mental illness, from 1996 to 2001, on death row nationwide, including inmates in Texas, Nebraska, Mississippi, Louisiana and Florida. For three years thereafter, Mr. Edwards served as one of the amicus attorneys for Johnny Paul Penry, an inmate with intellectual disabilities on death row in Texas. In Penry v. Johnson ( 532 U.S. 782 (2001), a landmark Supreme Court case, Mr. Edwards and other amicus attorneys argued that the execution of people with intellectual disabilities violates both national and international law.

Mr. Edwards has authored numerous articles on the subject of people with intellectual disabilities in the criminal justice system. One of his publications was cited by the United States Supreme Court in Atkins v. Virginia 536 U.S. 304 (2002). Prior to the United States Supreme Court decision banning the execution of people with intellectual disabilities, he also consulted with and testified before many state governmental legislative bodies regarding problems people with intellectual disabilities face while in the criminal justice system. At the request of Temple University’s Institute on Disabilities, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Mr. Edwards wrote a training manual for attorneys who represent people with intellectual disabilities, which is used across the United States and in other countries such as Australia. From 2002 until 2005, Mr. Edwards served on the Faculty of the National Academy for Equal Justice for People with Developmental Disabilities at Temple University.

From 1997-1999, Mr. Edwards was honored with the Rosemary F. Dybwad International Fellowship, sponsored by the National Association of Retarded Citizens. This fellowship allowed Mr. Edwards to travel throughout Canada to train and educate Legal Aid Attorneys and Public Defenders in the area of intellectual disabilities and fetal alcohol syndrome/fetal alcohol spectrum disorders within the criminal justice system.

On May 11, 2006, Mr. Edwards was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve on the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. This is a federal advisory committee established by presidential executive order to advise the President of the United States and the Secretary of the Health and Human Services on issues concerning the lives of citizens with intellectual disabilities. In 2007, Mr. Edwards was an author for a report on people with developmental disabilities who are victims of crime. This report was sent to the White House.

On May 8th, 2008, Mr. Edwards was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve a consecutive two year term on the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. In 2008, Mr. Edwards was one of the authors of a report on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

On July 6th, 2009, Mr. Edwards was appointed to the editorial board of the The Journal of Psychiatry and Law. On November 3rd, 2009, he was appointed as special editor of a special issue on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and the Law. Volume one (1) of this special issue was released in June 2011 and volume two (2) was released in September 2011.

Mr. Edwards has also served on a variety of committees, addressing people with intellectual disabilities and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome who get caught up in the criminal justice system in the United States and abroad, including:

• 1996-1998: Criminal Justice Process Committee Chair on the California Criminal Justice Task Force for Persons with Developmental Disabilities
• 1996 to 1999: American Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division, Criminal and Juvenile Justice Committee
• 1997-2000: American Bar Association’s Death Penalty Representation Project
• 1999-2002: Counsel for the American Bar Association’s Criminal Justice Section and the Commission on Mental and Physical Disability Law
• 2001-2002: Editorial Advisory Board of the American Bar Association, Journal of Mental and Physical Disability Law Reporter
• 2004-2006: California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, Children’s Justice Act Task Force.
• 2006-2008: American Bar Association Commission on Mental and Physical Disability Law-Chair Criminal Justice Issues
• 1996-Present: Board of Directors of the Association of Retarded Citizens in Riverside
• 2010-Present: National Advisory Board for the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
• Currently serves as a Consulting Editor for the American Association on Mental Retardation, Journal of Mental Retardation and as an editor (journal referee) for the British Journal of Learning Disabilities

Mr. Edwards has been an instructor, lecturer, guest speaker, and panelist for numerous institutions and has lectured both nationally and internationally, including New Zealand, Taiwan, England, Ireland, Greece, Canada, Scotland, and Australia. Mr. Edwards has had at least six people with FASD diagnosed since 2006. He is also working with the American Bar Association Center on Children and the Law with proposed Resolution on FASD to be passed in August.

My twin brother’s name is Joe Esmeyer and he also has FAS.  It is hard to think when you have FAS which does not help his life at all.  If something happened an hour ago, he probably would not remember it. His FAS also affects other people’s life too and causes a lot of stress for everyone in our family and his teachers at school. If he did not have our family to help him, he would probably not be able to function daily. He is in Special Education classes because he has FAS.  His writing is bad and he cannot write in cursive because of his motor skills. He cannot think strait and sometimes needs help at school to figure something out. He takes medication for ADHD to try to help him focus daily in life and at school. He barely has any friends at school because of FAS and gets picked on and bullied because he is small.  It is hard for him to go to bed because of his FAS and he only sleeps about 4-5 hours a night.

I belong to the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls and my brother is in the Order of DeMolay, which is a brotherhood for boys. I love singing and being in plays at school while my brother likes anime and comic books, riding his bike, break dancing, playing with our five dogs, going to our brother’s house, Yu-Gi-Oh cards, and video games. He likes to read Percy Jackson books and has read them all.

Sometimes I wish I can take a magic pill and my FAS/FASD would be gone but other times I am happy just the way I am.  I want people to know FAS/FASD is not all that bad, if you have great family and friends to support you.  I have a wonderful mother, father, big brother, sister, and sister-in-law who help me and my brother with my FAS/FASD struggles.

Thank you for reading our story.

Washington, D.C. — Prenatal alcohol exposure is the leading preventable cause of intellectual disabilities and birth defects in America.  The ninth day of the ninth month—September 9^th—is International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Day and serves as an important reminder that alcohol-related birth defects can be completely prevented when women abstain from alcohol while pregnant.

FASD is an umbrella term describing the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. These effects may include physical, mental, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities with possible lifelong implications.

Because no amount of alcohol can be considered safe during pregnancy and FASD is completely preventable, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Surgeon General advise that, “A pregnant woman, or a woman who is considering becoming pregnant, should abstain from alcohol,” adding, “A pregnant woman who has already consumed alcohol during pregnancy should stop in order to minimize the risk.”

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), part of the National Institutes of Health, supports research to understand how alcohol exposure during pregnancy interferes with fetal development and how FASD can be identified and prevented. Scientists continue to make tremendous strides, providing important new insights into the nature of FASD and potential intervention and treatment strategies.

“Research tells us that while heavy and binge drinking during pregnancy pose the greatest risk, moderate and light drinking is linked to stillbirth, problems with attention and judgment, and poor social skills.  A significant challenge is overcoming the mixed messages and misconceptions about the risk of light drinking. No amount is completely safe, why take the risk?” says Tom Donaldson, president of the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS).

NOFAS serves as a resource for individuals and families living with FASD and works to raise public awareness of the risk of prenatal alcohol exposure and prevent FASD. NOFAS vice president Kathy Mitchell reflects on the unfair stigma surrounding women who do drink, “I’ve never met a woman who intentionally harmed her child by drinking. Either they didn’t know they were pregnant, they may have been misinformed of the risk by their doctor or the media, or they need and deserve access to therapeutic treatment services.”

NIAAA acting director Ken Warren sums up the aim of awareness day, “The message is simple, not just on Sept. 9, but every day. Women who are, who may be, or who are trying to become pregnant, should not drink alcohol.”

Gwenolyn has worked extensively for the past 28 years in Indian affairs, both at the national and tribal level. She has worked for such national Indian advocacy organizations as the National Congress of American Indians and the National Tribal Chairmen’s Association. In addition, she has developed programs and organized training programs for the National American Indian Court Judges Association and the National Association of Community Health Representatives. She has served as editor for six national Indian publications. In 1990, Gwen was instrumental in founding the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS). She has made a commitment to social change in working to address social issues that affect the health and well being of Indian people and barriers that oppress Indian women and children. She is the mother of three children, a son Brian, and two daughters, Genny and Rita. She has no grandchildren (and this is of deep concern to her), however, she does have one grand dog named Benny. It is for this reason that we shine this month’s community spotlight on Gwendolyn Packard (Ihanktowan).

NOFAS salutes the Center and its dedicated research staff for their invaluable contributions to creating a better future for individuals and families affected by FASD.

Jennifer Thomas received her Ph.D. from the University of Iowa in 1995, completed postdoctoral training at The Scripps Research Institute, and is currently an Associate Professor in Psychology at SDSU. She is on the Editorial Board of Neurotoxicology and Teratology and a member of the Education Committee of the Research Society on Alcoholism. Her research focuses on mechanisms of alcohol-induced brain and behavioral dysfunction, along with the identification of novel treatments.

Edward P. Riley received his Ph.D. in 1974 from Tulane University and is currently a Professor in Psychology and the Director of the Center for Behavioral Teratology at SDSU. He is the author of over 190 scientific papers and reviewed and edited the Handbook of Behavioral Teratology. In 2000 he was appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Health to Chair the National Task Force on FAS. He currently serves as the Co-Chair of the SAMHSA-sponsored FAS Center for Excellence. He has served as the President of the Research Society on Alcohol, the Fetal Alcohol Study Group, and the Behavioral Teratology Society. Last year, he received the NOFAS Excellence Award and recently the RSA Distinguished Researcher Award.

Dr. Mattson received her Ph.D. degree in 1994 from the SDSU/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology. She is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology and the Associate Director of the Center for Behavioral Teratology at SDSU. She is the author or co-author on 38 publications and 7 book chapters. Recently, she has been studying aspects of attention and visuo-spatial functioning in children with FASD, the comparison between FASD and ADHD, and brain structure and function using brain imaging.

When Tyler was only 7 weeks old, Tim and Cindy Whitcomb were told by his adoption agency that he most likely had FAS. Cindy said that she and Tim felt in their hearts that Tyler had FAS, but also that he was meant to be their son. Tyler was finally diagnosed with FAS when he was 18 months old. Tyler is a bright, energetic young boy who has caught the attention of many, including former Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle.

Cindy was asked to sit on the New York State FASD Prevention Task Force, where she gives input as a parent and caregiver of a child living with FASD. The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), which leads the Task Force, has pulled together health professionals, caregivers, educators, and others in order to press forward with FASD prevention in New York State. Cindy’s input is invaluable to the Task Force since she lives with the effects of FASD everyday. Currently, the Task Force is working on a statewide initiative to increase outreach and awareness, as well as train health professionals about the negative impact of drinking while pregnant.

In the past, Tim and Cindy also organized a support group in their hometown of Victor, NY, for families living with FASD. Cindy is still part of an informal support group, in which she directs parents/caregivers to resources for diagnosis and services. She also lends individual support and encourages those who call her; “I tell them they’re not alone.”

This May, the Whitcomb family joined NOFAS staff and state delegations from across the country for NOFAS’ Second Annual FASD Hill Day. They visited Congressmen Randy Kuhl and Steve Israel’s offices; and the Office of Senator Hillary Clinton to tell their story and gain support for the FASD Caucus in The House of Representatives and to lobby for The ‘Advancing FASD Research, Prevention, and Support’ Bill in the Senate. The Whitcombs continue to be advocates for families and individuals living with FASD.

In 1978, Dr. Streissguth collaborated with Dr. Ruth Little to develop methods to intervene in female alcohol abuse during pregnancy and prevent FASD. In 1989, Dr. Streissguth and her colleagues developed and evaluated the impact of a model advocacy program for helping high-risk women for three years after an alcohol or drug exposed pregnancy. This program is now run under the name of Parent-Child Assistance Program. For the past 18 years, Dr. Streissguth and her colleagues have worked with Native American Communities and the Indian Health Service to provide FASD workshops and direct consultations to American Indians and Alaska Natives.

The Fetal Alcohol and Drug Unit, which Dr. Streissguth directs, has investigated many types of prenatal influences on later development in offspring including alcohol, tobacco, cocaine, aspirin, acetaminophen, and rubella virus. Prior to this work, she studied the impact of poverty, preschool, and caretaking experiences on child development. In all, she has published over 160 scientific papers, three books, and a slide-teaching curriculum on Alcohol and Pregnancy. Her most recent books are: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: A Guide for Families and Communities, Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co. and The Challenge of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Overcoming Secondary Disabilities, University of Washington Press.

Dr. Streissguth has been honored with several prestigious awards and recognitions for her pioneering research on pregnancy and alcohol. In 1985, Dr. Streissguth was co-recipient with Dr. Paul Lemoine of France of the International Jellinek Memorial Award for Advancement in the field of Alcohol Studies. In 1987, with Dr. Ruth Little, she received an award for outstanding contributions from the American Medical Society on Alcoholism and Other Drug Dependencies. In 1992, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence presented the Silver Key Award to Dr. Streissguth for her “outstanding contribution and research on FASD”. In 1997, she was awarded the University of Washington Outstanding Public Service Award, and the Rosett Award for her outstanding contributions to FAS research in 1998. In 2002, the American Psychological Foundation awarded her a Gold Medal for Lifetime Achievement for Psychology in the Public Interest.

Recognizing Dr. Streissguth’s pioneering research and exemplary service to the FASD world, NOFAS honored her with an Excellence Award in 2003. NOFAS and the FASD community have greatly benefited from Dr. Streissguth’s work and are very thankful to her longstanding dedication to FASD research, prevention, treatment and surveillance.

Dr. Coles has been an active member of several task forces, advisory committees and serves as an advisor and consultant to several non-profits and other organizations dealing with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities and alcohol related health studies. She was one of the founding members of the National Task Force on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Fetal Alcohol Effects and was also a member of the Advisory Committee, National Center for Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2001. She was a member of the 1999-2001 FAS Work Group, Office of Special Education Programs, U.S. Department of Education, and the Committee to Study Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Science between 1994 and1996.

Dr. Coles was awarded the Thomas J. Asher Award for the Prevention of Developmental Disabilities by the Atlanta Alliance on Developmental Disabilities in 2001. Her research focuses on developmental outcomes of teratogenic exposures, from infancy through adulthood. She has also focused on both the direct neurobehavioral effects of drugs of abuse and the interaction of these effects with postnatal environment in producing developmental psychopathology.

She is currently a guest editor for a special edition of the Journal of Pediatric Psychology focusing on children of substance abusers. In Atlanta, Dr. Coles participates in the FAS Task Force, formerly sponsored by the March of Dimes, and was a member of the Professional Advisory Council, Mission New Hope: A Substance Abuse Coalition for Metro Atlanta, established in 1992. Dr. Coles also is the Director of the Maternal Substance Abuse and Child Development Laboratory at Emory Psychiatry, a laboratory that conducts research on developmental effects of prenatal alcohol exposure.

NOFAS is extremely pleased to enshrine Dr. Claire Coles in the FASD Hall of Fame. Her contributions to the field are invaluable.

For details on the Marcus Institute, please visit: www.marcus.org/, for further information about alcohol exposure studies and about the effects of maternal substance abuse and alcohol in pregnancy, please visit: www.emory.edu/MSACD.

Julie and her husband Lynn live in Bothell, Washington, with the youngest seven children and have been licensed foster parents for the past thirteen years. Over the years, Julie and Lynn have fostered and adopted a combined total of twenty two children. Currently, she and her husband live with four adopted children and three children of whom they are guardians. These seven children along with her oldest biological daughter have all been diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome or related conditions.

Julie recently started NOFAS Washington, an affiliate of NOFAS. Along with her colleague Christie Connors, Julie has been successful in advocating for the issue at the international, national and state levels. She has worked on several programmatic developments along with NOFAS and other leading agencies in this field. Julie is one of the four founders and an intricate player in NOFAS’ Circle of Hope (COH), a nationwide support network of birth mothers of children with FASD. Julie continues to uphold her strength while diligently working to help NOFAS in making the COH one of the strongest support networks for birth mothers across the United States. This year marked the first official retreat for the COH. The success of the retreat was immensely impacted due to Julie’s presence and wise words. Julie recently lent her knowledge and years of experience to the attendees of North Carolina’s “Hope for Women in Recovery Summit: Understanding and Addressing the Impact of Pre-Natal Alcohol Exposure.” This two day summit, sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and hosted by NOFAS, was attended by hundreds from the North Carolina government, substance abuse provider community and women in recovery who are at risk for having or who may have had a child with FASD. The attendees of the Summit were fortunate to receive first hand knowledge from Julie’s life experiences.

Julie has been a Family Advocate for the Washington State Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Diagnostic and Prevention Network core team at the University of Washington for over a decade. She is also a member of the Master Training Team for the Foster Parent Training Institute with the Department of Social and Health Services/Division of Licensed Resources.

Julie and her children participated in the preparation and filming of “Journey Through The Healing Circle” and helped prepare the video study guides for this this two-hour series of videos that was aired on PBS channels throughout the Pacific Northwest and Canada and made it to the finals for a Regional Emmy Award. Julie was also featured on a SAMHSA production, “Recovering Hope – Mothers speak out about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders”, a videotape that presents an intimate and evocative hour-long look at mothers and families of children affected by FASD.

A highlight of Julie’s personal and professional accomplishments has been organizing the annual FASD family summer camp. The first camp was held three years back out of which a group called “FASt Friends,” an FASD Family and Community Support Network, was formed. NOFAS’ staff participated at this year’s FASD camp as part of NOFAS’ collaborations initiative with several of its affiliates. To view pictures from this year’s summer camp, please visit: www.nofas.org/FASDSummerCampWashingtonState.htm

Julie Gelo is a true inspiration to birth families, adoptive and foster parents, social activists, spokespersons and many others who would like to make a difference to another person’s life. NOFAS is extremely delighted for the longstanding relationship that it shares with Julie and wishes her and her family the best for the future.

For more on NOFAS Washington, please visit: www.nofaswa.org

To order a free copy of the Recovering Hope video, please click here: store.health.org/catalog/productDetails.aspx?ProductID=16955