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Caiden was born with spina bifida myelomeningocele, the most severe form of this birth defect. Caiden is now 3 1/2 and ambulates primarily by crawling and cruising around the furniture.
There is a special type of physical therapy that could enable him to walk independently, but it is very expensive...$7,200 for three weeks, with bi-annual week-long sessions recommended at the cost of $2,000. Medical insurance only minimally pays for this specialized therapy, if they will pay at all. Three weeks of intensive therapy can bring about progress in a child's motor skills that may normally take up to twelve months with traditional outpatient therapy.
We have seen first-hand the progress that can be made through intensive therapy. Another little boy we know, who has a similiar case of spina bifida, went in to intensive therapy crawling, and came out walking with arm crutches. We have heard of many other success stories and are eager for Caiden to have this opportunity.
About Spina Bifida:
Spina Bifida is the most common permanently disabling birth defect in the United States. Spina Bifida occurs when the spine of the baby fails to develop fully. Spina Bifida literally means "split spine". People with Spina Bifida have many difficult challenges because of their birth defect including walking, something so many of us take for granted every day. Thanks to new medical treatments and technology, most people born with Spina Bifida can expect to live a full life.
Women who are old enough to have babies (ANY woman or girl who menstrates) should take folic acid before and during the first three months of pregnancy. Because half of the pregnancies in the United States are unplanned, the Spina Bifida Association asks women to take a vitamin with 400 mcg (0.4 mg) of folic acid each day during the years of their lives when they are possibly able to have children.
Learn more by visiting the National Spina Bifida Association website at www.spinabifidaassociation.org
Caiden's preschool has graciously offered to host a kid's carnival as a fundraiser to help us reach our goal.
For more information on the Carnival, contact Carmelia Woodard at Backpack University at 904-276-6500 or carmeliaw@backpackuniversity.com . For information on the Silent Auction, contact Heather Merrell at 904-738-9986 or heather.m.merrell@gmail.com
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