October is Spina Bifida Awareness Month. Spina Bifida is the most common, permanently disabling birth defect in the United States. Spina Bifida, which affects approximately 7 out of every 10,000 babies born each year, can result in varying degrees of paralysis, bowel and bladder complications, water on the brain (hydrocephalus) and learning difficulties. Over 70,000 Americans live with Spina Bifida.
The Spina Bifida Association of the Delaware Valley (SBADV) is a non-profit organization committed to promoting public awareness of Spina Bifida and to enhancing the lives of those affected by it. The SBADV is a volunteer-based organization run by dedicated individuals donating their time and resources. The SBADV is again doing their annual Adopt-a-Ghost program, which involves selling paper ghosts at schools and retails stores throughout the Delaware Valley. In addition, they are hosting a Dance to the Music Fundraiser on October 20th at the McCall Golf and Country Club in Upper Darby. For more information on the SBADV, please click here.
To learn more about Spina Bifida, how it can be prevented, and where to find resources for those affected please click here.