PRESS RELEASE

October is National Spina Bifida Awareness Month

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Oct. 1, 2000--Spina bifida (open spine) is the leading disabler of newborns in America, happening more frequently than muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, polio, and cystic fibrosis combined... yet until recently most people had never heard of it. Approximately 1 in 1,000 pregnancies in the U.S. develop spina bifida.

Spina bifida is the most common form of Neural Tube Defects (NTDs). It results from the failure of the spine to close properly in the first weeks of pregnancy -- before a woman even knows she's pregnant. The nerves controlling the legs, bladder and bowel can be incompletely developed or damaged.

The condition can result in varying degrees of paralysis, loss of sensation in the lower limbs, and in bowel and bladder complications. Spina bifida is often accompanied by hydrocephalus, the accumulation of fluid in the brain. Hydrocephalus is controlled by a surgical procedure called "shunting".

Today's medical advances in the fields of  neurosurgery and urology (early treatment is important) are making it possible for a majority of infants born with spina bifida to live into adulthood.

Some public figures with a spina bifida connection include: Olympian Jean Driscoll, who was born with spina bifida. She is a seven-time winner of the Boston Marathon, setting world records in five of those races. She set a world record in the 10-kilometer race last year, and won silver medals in 800-meter events at the 1992 and 1996 Olympics, as well as two gold medals, one silver and one bronze at the 1996 Paralympics. NFL 49ers Quarterback Elvis Grbac has a young son who has spina bifida. CNN Co-anchor Judy Woodruff has a son with spina bifida. She has been instrumental in the annual SBAA Celebrity Roast which raises funds for the spina bifida Association of America. Steve Largent - US Representative and former Seattle Seahawk has a 13 year old son named Kramer who has spina bifida.

Disney recently released a movie -- inspired by a true story -- called Miracle in Lane 2. The movie features Malcolm in the Middle star Frankie Muniz as Justin Yoder, a boy with spina bifida, who becomes a worldclass soap box derby champion.

Although at this time there is no definite cause or cure for spina bifida, studies have shown that women taking folic acid before pregnancy can reduce the occurrence of it in babies by up to 75 percent.  Therefore, the U.S. Public Health Service recommends "that all women of childbearing age in the United States should consume 0.4 mg of folic acid daily to reduce the risk of having a pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect."

Despite the challenges, there is life after spina bifida, and the Spina Bifida Association of North Carolina sponsors support groups throughout the state that offer educational and financial assistance, and many support activities. If you have spina bifida, are a caregiver, or want to help, contact the Spina Bifida Association of North Carolina for assistance with resources in your area -- 1-800-847-2262, sbanc@mindspring.com, http://www.sbanc.org.

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About the Spina Bifida Association of North Carolina

The Spina Bifida Association of North Carolina (SBANC) serves people living with Spina Bifida throughout the state. Services include a toll free referral service and web site, financial assistance, local support groups, educational events, SBAA membership, compliementary subscriptions to the SBANC newsletter and Insights magazine. SBANC is a registered 501(c)(3) charity and a member of the Spina Bifida Association of America. SBANC relies on charitable donations and grants to provide services. It does not receive support from United Way.

Contact:
Spina Bifida Association of North Carolina
Kim Gates, 704-535-0805

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