Congressman John D. Dingell

Washington, D.C. – Grosse Ile resident Waltraud "Wally" Prechter, President of the Heinz Prechter Fund for Manic Depression, took her fight to Congress today, testifying before the subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services in support of medical research to find cures for bipolar disorder. Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI) made the following statement in introducing Ms. Prechter to the panel:

"Mr. Chairman and members of the subcommittee, I am here today to introduce a very good, personal friend of mine and Debbie’s, Waltraud ("Wally") Prechter.

"She and her late husband have been community leaders in the Downriver community of Michigan for over 20 years.

"Driven by the spirit of giving back to the community, the Prechter family established the World Heritage Foundation, a philanthropic entity dedicated to helping make a difference in the areas of health, education, welfare, arts and culture, and the community. In addition, the foundation fosters innovative public and private sector partnerships, entrepreneurial development, and German-American relations.

"Wally has served as President of the World Heritage Foundation since its inception in 1985.

"Wally has been a positive force in her community, and a model citizen for our country. She serves in numerous leadership positions for civic and charitable organizations, including the University of Michigan Health Care Advisory Group, the Wayne State University’s Detroit Medical center Women’s Clinical Services Board, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and the Downriver Council for the Arts.

"She is a bright light within our country, and someone that I have the honor and privilege of knowing. Today she is here to speak on an issue that has a grave impact on families and communities across the country. Wally’s courage and conviction are an inspiration to all of us and it is my great pleasure to introduce Wally Prechter."