October is National Spina Bifida Awareness Month, a time to educate the public and further understanding about Spina Bifida while celebrating the lives of the more than 166,000 Americans affected. Every day in the United States, an average of 8 births are affected by Spina Bifidaor a similar birth defect of the brain and spine. It remains the most commonly occurring complex birth defect in this country.

The root cause of Spina Bifida is unknown and the effects for each person are different. Hispanics have an abnormally high rate of diagnosis. Hispanic mothers are one-and-a-half to two times more likely to give birth to a child with Spina Bifida than non-Hispanic Caucasians.

Spina Bifida is not one condition. It is a multitude of problems that affect the mind, the body and the spirit. Advancements in treatment and prevention, however, have opened new doors for those with Spina Bifida. While it presents unique challenges, those affected by Spina Bifida are able to attend school, work, raise a family, and spend time with friends just like everyone else.

This year the Spina Bifida Association (SBA) hopes to bring to light through pictures the successes of those who live each day with this birth defect.

By launching “Celebrate SB,” a Facebook photo contest designed to acknowledge the accomplishments of our community, people around the country can encourage each other to tell their story through a symbolic photo or favorite frame. These pictures aim to highlight how our community celebrates their lives — going to school, working, raising a family, spending time with friends — every day while taking on a multitude of challenges that affect the mind, the body, and the spirit.

To learn more about contest rules, please visit: www.facebook.com/spina.bifida.learn.

Encourage people in your community to join us on Facebook and VOTE throughout the end of October! This is a month of celebration.

For more information about Spina Bifida Awareness Month, please visit: www.spinabifidaassociation.org