Spina Bifida Association of Illinois
Did You Know...?
Folic Acid: The Best Hope for Prevention
400 micrograms of folic acid every day can reduce the risk of a baby being born with Spina Bifida by as much as 70%.
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News
Central Illinois Group Meetings
Central Illinois Group Meetings
Central Illinois support group is a small group of parents, kids, and young adults with spina bifida, who meet informally once per month.
The meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at Carle Clinic-Bloomington meeting room (enter rear of building by Convenient Care entrance) and begin at 7 pm and generally are about an hour. The format varies from speakers, to just informal networking.
Occasionally we meet elsewhere. Previous meetings have been held at golf courses, horse stables, and a paint-your-own pottery shop.
Next Meetings:
September- Wed. September 8th - 7 pm at the Carle Clinic-Bloomington meeting room at OSF-College Avenue, 1701 E. College Avenue, Bloomington, IL 61704.
Al Bedell from local AMBUCS will speak about their programs and get to know people in our group. He plans to bring some trikes/bikes to show.
- Wed. October 13th - 7 pm. Location and additional information posted at later date.
- Thur. November 11th - 7 pm at the Carle Clinic-Bloomington meeting room at OSF-College Avenue, 1701 E. College Avenue, Bloomington, IL 61704.
Pat Braun, RNP nurse practioner, former SB clinic coordinator will speak about bowel/bladder management issues.
Email Lynn at lynn.bradtke@comcast.net for more information.
Win a new Corvette!
Bill Kay Chevrolet and Windy City Corvettes have announced that Sunday, August 1, 2010 will be the date for the next Corvette Show and raffle.
Tickets for the 2010 Corvette raffle will again be $100 each and cash prizes will be awarded. Only 899 tickets will be sold and your raffle ticket purchase will support SBAIL.
Download the ticket order form (PDF 86kB)
About Windy City Corvettes
For the past 18 years, the Windy City Corvettes have been an incredibly strong supporter of the Spina Bifida Association of Illinois. Since the first raffle in 1992, the Windy City Corvettes have donated more than $550,000 to support SBAIL.
Spina Bifida Genetics Survey
Research has shown that genetics play a role in Spina Bifida. The Spina Bifida Genetics Research Progam is conducting research to identify factors that influence the occurrence of birth defects. In this study, they are looking for genetic factors associated with an increased risk for Spina Bifida. Our hope is that this study results in a better understanding of Spina Bifida so that some day it may be prevented.
The study is analyzing the genes involved in how the body utilizes the vitamin folic acid. One potential outcome of this research could be a genetic test to identify women at-risk for Spina Bifida. Once developed, this genetic test could identify women who are at high risk based on their genetic profile. These women, identified as high-risk based on their genetics, would be counseled under the care of a physician to take a 4mg/day dose of folic acid the same recommendation given to women at high-risk based on history (prior affected pregnancy or Spina Bifida).
The Spina Bifida Genetics Research Progam is seeking mothers of children with Spina Bifida, and if possible, their child, to participate in the study. Participation entails completing a short survey and providing a saliva sample. Visit SBgenetics.org to enroll.
Newsletters
Here you can download our quarterly newsletters in PDF format.
View the Winter 2010 Newsletter
You will need the Adobe Reader in order to open these files. (link opens in a new window)
What's New at SBAIL
- 2010 Fall Swing for Spina Bifida
- SBAIL's Summer Sendoff
- Winter 2010 Newsletter
- Central Illinois Support Group Meeting
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