Spina Bifida Awareness Month

Breast Cancer is such a big thing that affects so many people and, having worked with screening for and helping women with breast cancer, I know that it is something that needs awareness and a cure needs to be found. So much media and attention is focused on Breast Cancer Awareness Month that most of us have (or had) any idea that this is also Spina Bifida Awareness Month. I never knew until last year.

I am copying this from another blog of a family with a baby with Spina Bifida. It's a good summary of what SB is. If you want more information, these are a couple of good sites:

http://www.cdc.gov/features/spinabifida/

http://www.spinabifidaassociation.org/site/c.liKWL7PLLrF/b.2642323/k.8E10/Spina_Bifida.htm

You can also visit Zachary's Blog for more links, just look at the sidebar.

"An average of 8 babies every day are born with Spina Bifida or a similar birth defect of the brain and spine. There are over 60 million women in the U.S. who could become pregnant and each one is at risk of having a baby born with Spina Bifida."

"Spina bifida is a major birth defect of a baby's spine. It is one of the most common, permanently disabling birth defects in the United States. Spina bifida occurs within the first few weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman knows she is pregnant. It happens when the spine and back bones do not close all the way. When this happens, the spinal cord and back bones do not form as they should. A sac of fluid comes through an opening in the baby's back. Much of the time, part of the spinal cord is in this sac and it is damaged.

Most children born with spina bifida live full lives, though they often have lifelong disabilities and need many surgeries. Some of the problems that a person born with spina bifida might face include:

• Not being able to move lower parts of their body. (Some might need to use crutches, braces, or wheelchairs to get around.)

• Loss of bowel and bladder control. (Some might wear protective clothing. Others learn new ways to empty their bladders and bowels.)

• Fluid building up and putting pressure on the brain (hydrocephalus), which needs to be fixed with an operation.

• Allergy to latex (a created material found in some rubber-type products such as balloons or hospital gloves).

All children born with spina bifida don't have the same needs. Some children have problems that are much more severe than others. Even so, with the right care, most of these children will grow up to lead full and productive lives.Learn what spina bifida is, how it can be prevented, and where to find resources for those affected."

Zach is doing great and we are so glad that he is part of our family. Here he is, Flying High!