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Spina Bifida is the number one permanently disabling birth defect in the nation.
The Spina Bifida Association of Wisconsin, Inc. (SBAWI) is made up of children and adults with Spina Bifida, as well as parents, guardians, family, friends, healthcare providers, and other supporters. Starting very early in life, our children spend significant amounts of time in clinics and hospitals. Frequent medical tests, surgeries, visits to therapists and specialists, and hospitalizations are common. SBAWI is dedicated to helping families affected by Spina Bifida emotionally, educationally, and financially. Financial support is given to families through a number of funds. Emotionally we offer support through organized social functions, fundraising events, chapter meetings, educational programs, and our office staff.
The Spina Bifida Association of Wisconsin (SBAWI) is dedicated to:
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fostering and promoting the rights and well-being of all persons with Spina Bifida;
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encouraging care, treatment, education and social interactions of all persons with Spina Bifida and their families;
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raising the level of awareness in ourselves and others as to the nature of the particular and special needs of all persons with Spina Bifida.
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For more information, please contact:
Spina Bifida Association of Wisconsin, Inc.
830 North 109th Street, Suite 6, Wauwatosa, WI 53226
Phone:
414-607-9061
Fax: 414-607-9602
E-mail: sbawi@sbawi.org
What is Spina Bifida?
Spina Bifida is the number one permanently disabling birth defect in the nation. More children are affected by this condition than muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis combined. In the U.S., the incidence of Spina Bifida is 7 out of every 10,000 births. In Wisconsin, between 15-20 children are born with Spina Bifida each year. (Wisconsin Statistic Sheet)
Spina Bifida occurs during the first 28 days of a pregnancy when the brain and spinal cord of an embryo (developing baby) form. It is a condition in which the bones covering the spinal cord do not completely form somewhere along the length of the spine.
Spina Bifida causes three primary areas of abnormal function: the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), the urologic system (kidneys and bladder), and the musculoskeletal system (bones and muscles). As a result, several body systems cannot function properly.
Spina Bifida is a life long condition. Individuals with Spina Bifida require ongoing medical care involving treatments, medications, and repeated hospitalizations. Although Spina Bifida is not curable, the majority of infants born with this birth defect will live full productive lives, well into adulthood. To achieve this, assistance with prevention of secondary conditions requires ongoing medical care and intervention. Work and research is needed to better understand the social, educational, and emotional aspects of Spina Bifida.
LATEX ALLERGY
Both children and adults with Spina Bifida are at high risk for developing an allergy to latex (natural rubber). Although typical symptoms are often limited to a runny nose, itchy eyes, and hives; life-threatening reactions can occur. These responses can occur when products containing latex touch the skin or mucous membrane, are inhaled, or reach the blood stream. It is best that people with Spina Bifida avoid exposure to latex to help prevent a latex allergy from developing.
2007 Latex List available. Click here.
Do you know what the Spina Bifida Association’s branded color is? It is TEAL (PMS320). It is the green/blue color.
Help organize family and friends to wear teal and start getting people to recognize our organization's color.