Jim Beau in the News

Birth Defect Resolution Passes

After his infant grandson's life was threatened by the disorder, Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Mobile, co-sponsored a newly passed resolution designating March 31, 2010, as National Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness Day. 

While the cause is unknown, the birth defect occurs when an infant's diaphragm fails to fully develop, leaving an opening "that allows abdominal organs into the baby's chest cavity and prevents lung growth," according to a news release from Sessions' office. 

It occurs once in every 3,000 births in the United States and is fatal in half of all cases, the release says. 

Born in November, Sessions' grandson, James Beauregard (Jim Beau) Reinhardt needed surgery at a Florida hospital when 4 days old, Sessions said. He spent 43 days in intensive care before being released to go home. 

Originally introduced in June by Sen. David Vitter, R-La., the resolution unanimously passed the Senate on Wednesday and recognizes the need for additional research into a cure for the disorder.