New Spina Bifida Support Group offers camp scholarships and more

(Peoria, IL / June 12, 2014) — Children’s Hospital of Illinois and the Illinois Spina Bifida Association (ISBA) are pleased to announce the formation of a Spina Bifida Support Group to connect children, adults, and families and to provide educational and financial resources.

Spina Bifida is the failure of the spine to close properly during the first month of pregnancy, and is the most common permanently disabling birth defect in the United States, affecting three out of every 10,000 newborns in Illinois. It takes a team of parents, doctors, therapists, teachers, and others to help a person with Spina Bifida achieve their maximum potential.

Scholarships are now available for week-long sessions at Camp Independence, a YMCA facility designed for people with Spina Bifida, age seven through adult. Weekly summer sessions are underway, with the last session starting July 27.

The scholarships are generously funded by the Mildred F. Miller Endowment Fund for Spina Bifida. Mrs. Miller was the nursing director of the OSF Spina Bifida clinic for many years and worked tirelessly to provide love and care to the children served. (To support this fund, contact the OSF HeathCare Foundation at 309.566.5666).

The Spina Bifida Support Group is also hosting a free baseball outing to the July 23 Normal CornBelters game versus the Washington WildThings.

Children’s Hospital of Illinois physicians Julian Lin, MD and Churphena Reid Lockhart, MD are helping lead the effort as ISBA board members.

For more info about camp scholarships, the baseball outing, or other support group activities, call 773-444-0305 or visit www.i-sba.org.