Spina Bifida Association of New York State

10/17/2025

10/17/2025

What an unforgettable day, Mid-Hudson! 💙

A huge THANK YOU to every who spread awareness, donated, and showed up two Saturdays ago in honor of someone you love who is living with or impacted by Spina Bifida!

We raised over $10,000 with over 70 individuals in attendance and FOUR teams!

Congratulations to our contest winners:
🌟 Team Spirit: David's Dream Team

🏆 Top Individual Fundraisers:
🥇 1st – Christina Fanitzi
🥈 2nd – Janelle Agunzo
🥉 3rd – Dante Limoli

⭐️ Top Team Fundraisers:
🥇 1st – Team Cha Cha CAN
🥈 2nd – David's Dream Team
🥉 3rd – Savina's Support Squad

We were honored to have our friends from Byram, Coloplast, ABLE, Bussani, and Derrek's Bags as vendors along with the ability to adventure to the rest of the Bounty Festival Vendors! SBANYS is also thankful for the generosity of our sponsors: Byram, Coloplast, Meet Me in Marlborough, and Bussani! Without your support, this weekend would not have been possible.

Much obliged to the awesome committee who put this walk together: Kirstyn and Dave Cerone, Christina Fanitzi, Janelle Agunzo, and Sheila Mannese! This walk was a success because of all your hard work toward the mission of building a better and brighter future for all those living with Spina Bifida.

10/17/2025

For many young adults with Spina Bifida, one of the biggest milestones is transitioning from pediatric care to adult health care.

This step isn’t just about changing doctors—it’s about learning to speak up for themselves, manage appointments, and take charge of their own health. Like starting college, getting a job, or moving out, it takes preparation, planning, and confidence.

Resources to help guide this transition

Learn more from the Spina Bifida Association: https://www.spinabifidaassociation.org/transition/

Doctor Database from the Spina Bifida Association of New York State: https://sbanys.org/doctor-database/

✨ With the right support and resources, young people with Spina Bifida can move forward with confidence—building independence and taking charge of their health, one step at a time.

10/16/2025

💡 The countdown is ON — only 9 days until New York shines TEAL for World Spina Bifida Day! 💙💚

From Niagara Falls to 1 World Trade Center, and from the Hudson Valley bridges to the Empire State Plaza — New York will glow teal 🌍✨

📍 Full list of teal-lit landmarks by region:
🗽 New York City
• 1 World Trade Center
• Kosciuszko Bridge
• Grand Central Terminal – Pershing Square Viaduct
• MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Station
• Moynihan Train Hall
• The Helmsley Building
• Sunrise of Sheepshead Bay

🏝 Long Island
• Babylon Town Hall: Lindenhurst
• Nassau County Executive Building

🏛️ Capital Region
• Siena University: Loudonville
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building: Albany
• State Education Building: Albany
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building: Albany
• Empire State Plaza: Albany
• Albany International Airport Gateway: Albany

🌉 Hudson Valley
• Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge: Tarrytown
• The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge: Poughkeepsie
• Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park: Poughkeepsie
• The Bristal Assisted Living: Armonk

🌄 Central New York / Southern Tier
• State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center: Syracuse
• Security Life Mutual Building: Binghamton

🌆 Western New York
• Niagara Falls
• Tonawanda City Hall: Tonawanda
• Buffalo Botanical Gardens Dome: Buffalo
• The Peace Bridge (Oct 23)

🌸 Rochester / Finger Lakes
• The Metropolitan: Rochester
• Innovation Square: Rochester
• Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal: Fairport

👀 Will YOU be visiting one?
➡️ Let us know here: https://sbanys.org/event/lutwt/
📸 Don’t forget to share your photos with us: info@sbanys.org

10/16/2025

10/16/2025

Mental health matters.

Children and adults with Spina Bifida are at a higher risk for depression and anxiety. These challenges can come from managing the physical demands of the condition, navigating medical care, or coping with social and emotional pressures.

Support, understanding, and access to mental health resources can make a big difference. Families, caregivers, and communities play a key role in helping individuals with Spina Bifida thrive—both physically and emotionally.

Everyone deserves the tools and support to live a full, healthy life.

Learn more from the Spina Bifida Association of New York State:https://sbanys.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Depression-and-Anxiety.pdf

Find a Mental Health Program via the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH): https://my.omh.ny.gov/analytics/saw.dll?dashboard&PortalPath=%2Fshared%2FMental%20Health%20Program%20Directory%2F_portal%2FMental%20Health%20Program%20Directory&nquser=BI_Guest&nqpassword=Public123

For immediate mental health support, individuals can call or text 988 to connect with trained counselors available 24/7.

Join our monthly adult group this month on October 28th: https://sbanys.org/event/adult-group/

You’re not alone. Support, resources, and understanding can make a real difference. Together, we can help everyone with Spina Bifida thrive.

10/15/2025

🌟 Meet Amanda Crist from Hamlin, New York. At 34, she has faced challenges with Spina Bifida but has recently learned to surf and ride a handbike. Amanda wants people to know that Spina Bifida isn’t a death sentence and that everyone adapts in their own way. She relies on her community, family, and friends, and is described as determined, motivated, and never giving up. 💙💚

💡 Do you have a story to share?
Every voice makes our community stronger. Whether you’re living with Spina Bifida, a parent, caregiver, healthcare provider, or supporter—your story matters. By sharing, you can inspire, educate, and create connection.
👉 Submit your story here: https://sbanys.org/community-testimonials/

10/15/2025

💙💚 This Spina Bifida Awareness Month, let’s turn awareness into action this October.

Start a Facebook fundraiser for the Spina Bifida Association of New York State and help children and adults living with Spina Bifida and their families receive access to programs, support, and resources they deserve.

✨Make a real difference today!

We’ve created our own fundraiser too—join us and help us reach more families across New York State:
👉 https://www.facebook.com/donate/1318705833330743/

10/14/2025

10/14/2025

Dream big. Give back. Celebrate with us!

Join the Dare to Dream Gala on Saturday, November 22nd for a night that shines — with live music, dinner, auctions, and stories that inspire.

Where: Hilton Garden Inn in Troy, New York
Time: 5:00Pm – 9:00 PM

Tickets are available for purchase — get yours before they’re gone!
🎟 Tickets & learn more: https://sbanys.org/event/daretodream/

Thank you to our sponsors: Albany Med Health System, Morgan Stanley, The Daily Gazette, Times Union, Rich and Terri Sleasman, PhRMA, Mobility Works, Rivers Casino and Resort: Schenectady, First New York Federal Credit Union, Kevin and Vanessa Chamberlain, Fenimore, InfoEd Global, 1st National Bank of Scotia, Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments, Benchemark Printing Inc., and Dave and Karen Wentworth.

10/14/2025

Growing up with Spina Bifida often means multiple surgeries. By age 18, almost all individuals will have had at least 8 surgeries, and many will have experienced even more.

These procedures are a part of managing Spina Bifida and supporting health, independence, and quality of life. Awareness helps families and communities understand the journey.