eInsights - October 2008

October Is Spina Bifida Awareness Month

Every October, the Spina Bifida Association raises public awareness about Spina Bifida during Spina Bifida Awareness Month. Through public awareness comes understanding and support of our mission to promote the prevention of Spina Bifida and to enhance the lives of all affected. Throughout the year, and especially in October, SBA implements key programs and services to support its mission.

"National Awareness Month helps us educate the public and further understanding of what it's like to live with Spina Bifida," says Cindy Brownstein, CEO, Spina Bifida Association.  "It's essential that people are aware that Spina Bifida affects a startling number of people in the United States . National Awareness Month was created to help us celebrate the lives of those with the birth defect."

The SBA concentrates many awareness and fundraising efforts in and around October to help support this initiative. This year these include many local events, Chapter participation in SBA's Adopt-a-Ghost® program, promotion of the Annual Roast for Spina Bifida featuring Stephen Colbert, our Annual Car Raffle for a 2008 Lexus® Hybrid SUV, our Fall Happy Hour Event at Bobby Van's Grill in Washington, DC, and an intensive public relations and awareness advertising campaign.

In addition, this year the Spina Bifida Caucus introduced bills to both the House and Senate in recognition of this important month. This effort was supported by in person visits on Capitol Hill by many SBA leaders and virtually through an online advocacy alert released by the SBA.  

If you would like to provide feedback, please email eInsights@sbaa.org.

eInsights is an electronic newsletter brought to you quarterly by the Spina Bifida Association