The Illinois Spina Bifida Association mourns the passing of Dr. David G. McLone, neurosurgeon and champion of people living with spina bifida.
Without Dr. McLone, much of the Illinois spina bifida community would not exist. Starting at Children's Memorial Hospital in 1975, Dr. McLone led a pioneering approach to treat all babies born with spina bifida. Into the early 1980s, he led an effort to set the standard that all babies born with spina bifida would receive medical care.
For a sense of the magnitude of his accomplishment, read the February 16, 1981 People magazine article, "Are 'Spina Bifida' Babies Best Left to Die? Surgeon David McLone Challenges a Too-Common Practice."
Dr. McLone continued to be a pioneer for the quality of life and empowerment of people with spina bifida through continued advances in medical care at Lurie Children's Spina Bifida Center, by building communities of service in collaboration with the Illinois Spina Bifida Association, by creating affordable, accessible housing for people with spina bifida at Anixter Village, and by founding YMCA Camp Independence with the YMCA of Metro Chicago.
Our heartfelt condolences go to Dr. McLone's family, colleagues, and all who he helped bring into and keep in this world.
Dr. David G. McLone