SBA Mourns Loss of Two Media Giants and Spina Bifida Supporters

Washington, D.C. – The Spina Bifida Association (SBA) is mourning the loss of two giants of journalism who had been great friends of the Spina Bifida cause. 

Syndicated columnist Robert Novak died August 18 and Don Hewitt, television pioneer and creator of 60 Minutes, passed away August 19. Both men had been wonderful supporters of the Roast for Spina Bifida throughout its twenty year history.

Novak, author of “Inside Report”, syndicated columnist and a oft-featured television panelist, served as the Roastee for the first ever Roast for Spina Bifida held in 1989. Hewitt, a long time CBS news executive, producer and director, took the hot seat as the 2003 Roastee during the fifteenth anniversary of the event.

"The thoughts of the entire Spina Bifida community are with the Novak and Hewitt families during these difficult times. Both of these gentlemen gave freely of their time to support our cause," remarked Cindy Brownstein, President and Chief Executive Officer of SBA.