Newest Traumatic Brain Injury Act up for vote

CLIFTON The newest version of the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Act is one closer to the President's desk.

Sponsored by Clifton's representative, Congressman Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.-9), the TBI act was originally passed in 1996 and reauthorized in 2000 and 2008. Now, after approval from the House Energy and Commerce Committee, the 2013 reauthorization, also sponsored by Pascrell, has to be passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives before it warrants the president's signature.

"I thank the Energy and Commerce Committee for moving to improve services and care for civilians and soldiers who have suffered a traumatic brain injury," Pascrell was quoted in a press release issued by his office. "For more than 12 years I have fought to make the treatment of this devastating injury a priority and I am grateful to see it get the attention it deserves."

According to the Center for Disease control, a TBI is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the function of the brain. The CDC estimates that 1.7 million TBIs occur every year in the United States. The results range from a temporary change in brain function to permanent, debilitating complications. The CDC also estimates that 30 percent of all injury related deaths in this country involve a TBI.

It was after meeting a Clifton constituent that Pascrell was inspired to fight for those suffering from TBIs.

Dennis John Benigno was a 15-year-old CHS student in 1984 when he was hit by a car crossing Kuller Road on his way home from football practice. He is now 44 and unable to speak or walk. He lives with his parents, Dennis and Rosalind, and relies on them to get through the day.

"We started working together after he was first elected," said Dennis Benigno, father of Dennis John.

"I approached him and he was very accessible. Since then he has always been very responsive to this issue. He's at the forefront."

The Benigno's founded the Coalition for Brain Injury Research in 1996 and have donated more than $100,000 to the Neurology Institute of New Jersey for research and treatment. The coalition holds an annual walk-a-thon in Clifton to raise money for research. Pascrell and Benigno have continued to work closely together.

"He's just a good guy,' Benigno said of Pascrell. "He cares about you, I believe that."

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Newest Traumatic Brain Injury Act up for vote