“Clear the runway.” That’s how Maureen Wells described her family’s approach to her independence as a child. After a career as a special education teacher, she’s still not done helping to clear the runway for others.
Read moreSuccess Story: Making Connections - When Wendy Met Zaela
It was a powerful moment when 48-year-old met three-year-old and her parents. “All of my life I thought I was the only one. I knew nobody else like me,” says Wendy Chasteen. Then last fall she met Zaela Bell. It was the first time Wendy, age 48, ever met somebody with spina bifida, let alone with the same level spinal lesion she has.
Read moreSuccess Story: Spina Bifida Dads Can Help Each Other
Luis Carrizoza is the proud father of nine-year-old Luz Amelia, who goes by the name of Luz. She’s a happy and “awesome” Chicago fourth grader, who has had surgeries to close her back, implant and revise a shunt, release her tethered spinal cord, remove adenoids and insert ear tubes. She’s also had MACE and Mitrofanoff surgeries.
Read moreSB All-Stars with Javier Báez
Thanks to all who joined us for the “SB All-Stars” featuring Javier Báez. Sponsored by Chicago Cut Steakhouse & ESPN Chicago, this event was a fundraiser benefiting the Illinois Spina Bifida Association.
July 21 Spina Bifida Education Concerence
Save the Date: Join us Saturday, July 21, 10am-4pm at Morton College in Cicero (MAP) for the Illinois Spina Bifida Association's 2018 Statewide Education Conference. Conveniently located off the Central Ave exit on I-55, and accessible via CTA & PACE.
Registration and presenter info to come.
ISBA Completes Successful Program Pilot with Community Foundation of Central Illinois Grant
The Illinois Spina Bifida Association (ISBA) is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Community-Clinic Connection program pilot in Central Illinois in partnership with OSF HealthCare.
This program has been made possible in part by a $2,500 grant from the Fritz and Doris S. Reuling Charitable Fund, the Fontaine Earle Fund, and the Pete and Mildred Donis Charitable Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois.
"Through the generosity and stewardship of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois, ISBA has been able to increase social connections and access to resources for Central Illinois families, which can improve their health quality of life," said Matt Larsen, ISBA Executive Director.
The Community-Clinic Connection program will continue in 2018 in Central Illinois and Chicagoland.
The McHenry County Community Foundation Awards Grant to ISBA at August Ceremony
The McHenry County Community Foundation has named the Illinois Spina Bifida Association as a recipient of a $4,000 grant its Community-Clinic Connection program, which provides community-based support and coaching services to increase family resilience, health quality of life, and the independence of children and adults living with spina bifida.
Read moreSuccess Story: Sabrina Gets What She Needs for Her Swollen Legs
As Sabrina said, “The moral of this story is to never give up fighting for what you need. Learn what you’re entitled to receive. And remember that the ISBA is there to help.” We shall always remember Sabrina!
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