A boost for brain injury research. Governor McGreevey signed the medical research bill.
By AMANDA GERUT/ HERALD NEWS
CLIFTON -Culminating a family's drive to make the best of
its own tragedy, Governor McGreevey on Friday signed a medical research
bill designed to pump millions into brain injury research in coming years.
"
There have been many families tragically impacted by brain injury," McGreevey
said. "This is about understanding the importance of basic research."
The bill is expected to raise more than $3 million a year from a $1 surcharge
on motor vehicle penalties.
McGreevey sat next to Dennis John Benigno and his parents, Dennis and
Rosalind, in the family's living room as he signed the bill that could
help scientists search for a cure for Benigno's brain injury. The two-story
house on Hazel Street was packed with more than 40 guests for the family's
triumphant moment.
Dennis John, 34, was hit by a car at the age of 15 while walking home
from a football physical, and as a result he cannot walk or speak. His
parents have founded the Coalition for Brain Injury Research in Clifton
to promote brain injury awareness and to try to find a way to cure their
son. Through fund-raising events, the coalition has donated more than
$100,000 to researchers. It also sought to elevate government awareness
of the health issue.
"
Dennis decided to make this about something bigger than their family," McGreevey
said. "We stand shoulder to shoulder with them."
Dennis Benigno worked tirelessly for six years to lobby local, state,
and federal legislators to support the brain injury bill. Benigno said
his son deserved all the credit for keeping him going.
Before McGreevey signed the legislation in front of the Benigno family
and a host of elected state, local and federal officials, flashbulbs
went off and cameras rolled.
"
I think," Benigno said, "it's one of the most important pieces
of legislation that will hopefully affect the brain injury community
in a really positive way." He wore his son's white collared shirt for the signing. He said he wears
it every time he has to go to Trenton or Washington to speak with officials.
His wife, too, accented the event for its future importance rather than
as a culmination of the family's past efforts.
"
It's the beginning of a long journey and a good journey," said Rosalind. "I
have no doubt this will bring scientists to the state."
The law makes New Jersey the first state in the country to have a funding
source strictly for brain injury research, officials said.
The bill also calls for an 11-member Commission on Brain Injury Research
that will approve grant applications and report annually to the governor
on medical progress in nerve regeneration.
Nicholas Ponzio, the chief operating officer for the Neurological Institute
of New Jersey, said the funding stream would enhance study into regenerating
neurons. "It will provide seed money for research that hopefully
will give us insight," Ponzio
said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta lists motor
vehicle collisions involving pedestrians and cyclists as the primary
causes of traumatic brain injury. Such injuries can cause problems with
concentration, memory, coordination, movement, vision, and emotional
stability. More than 5.3 million Americans suffer disabilities from brain
injury, according to CDC figures.
As McGreevey moved the pen across the documents, Benigno looked down
and said, "That's a beautiful signature."
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A boost for brain injury research. Governor McGreevey
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