How Do You Define Someone with Spina Bifida?

 Handicapped?  Disabled?  Differently-abled?  Crippled?  Confined?

So many people seem to look only at the diagnosis of someone who has spina bifida and use it to define them.  They see the equipment and they cannot see past it.  They hear a child has spina bifida and they say things like, "I'm sorry".

My wish is that people could see that spina bifida does NOT define a person.  A wheelchair, leg braces, arm crutches, catheterizing, a shunt, and all those other extras do not define them; it only makes them stronger and more independent. 

So how DO you define a person with spina bifida?   This is how....

Strong, smart, sassy, hard-working, beautiful, dedicated, funny, creative, loving, artistic, loved, joyful, silly, playful, imaginative, problem-solver, courageous, cheerful, giving, magnetic personality, radiant, student, proud, daughter, friend, and sister

Beautiful, smart, funny, stubborn, helper, hard-working, attention-getter, fun, energetic, creative, lover of books, adopted, prayed-for, fighter, loved, loving, compassionate, caring, silly, sassy, playful, blessing, daughter and sister

Sweet, Sensitive, Shy, Big Brother, Protective over his little sisters, Video Gamer, Loves being outdoors, Loves fishing & swimming, Fun-Loving, Inquisitive, Always Smiling

Mother, wife, animal mom, daycare runner, friend, video gamer, world wanderer, photographer, music appreciator

Joy-filled, strong, determined, sweet, loving, stubborn but head strong, loves music, loves Mickey Mouse and Scout, loves bubbles and being outside, very opinionated and sensitive, loves water and baths, fun, full of smiles, laughs and giggles, has a mind of his own

Every inch of you is perfect. From the bottom to the top. She is fiery and strong willed nothing defines her and nothing holds her down

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friend, Daughter, Sister, Godmother/Auntie, Animal Lover, Nanny, Loyal, Caring, Trustworthy, Loving, Intelligent, Silly, Advocate, Oregonian, High School graduate, Caregiver, Registered Voter, Respectful, Reader, Writer, Amateur Photographer, Determined, Honest, Stubborn, Funny, Unique, Passionate, Strong, Empathetic, Inquisitive, Traveler, Music lover, TV Lover, Advice giver, Sentimental, Romantic, Thoughtful, & Adult with Spina Bifida.

-American of Irish ancestry
-Daughter
-Sister
-Auntie
-Friend
-Neighbor
-Voter
-Licensed driver
-Passport holder
-Traveler
-Frequent Flyer
-Music Lover
-Cat Owner
-Funny
-Loyal
-Kind
-Compassionate
-Witty
-Native Chicagoan
-Current Florida Resident
-Lover of seafood and wine
-Member of many families (biological, friends, SB community)

- Adult with spina bifida

Comfortable with myself, Determined , Intelligent , Outgoing , Well spoken, Loving, Caring , Strong-willed, Funny, Daughter, Sister, Friend, Blessed , Jacksonville native, Florida girl, Fashionable, Respectful, Important, Wise, Talented, Young, Traveler, College Student, High school graduate, Helper, Encourager , Singer , Songwriter, Gospel music lover, Christ Follower,  Adult Living Spina Bifida , Spina Bifida Advocate , Trendsetter, Happy , Loyal, Independent , Auntie,, Cousin, Registered voter, Optimistic , Faith filled, Friendly

Son, brother, grandson, cousin, nephew, wanted, loved, cherished, adored, ADORABLE, American, Ukrainian, all boy, fast, loud, intelligent, funny, resilient, overcomer, determined, courageous, brave, ABLE, loves music, fun

Japanese by nationality, Filipino/Irish/Middle Eastern by blood, American Citizen by default, Mommy, Grandma, Daughter , Sister, Auntie, Niece, Hard Worker, Traveler, Animal Lover , Creative , Singer, Writer, Great Cook , Goofy, Loving, Empathetic, Loyal, Tough, Friendly, Tenacious, Independent , Passionate, Connoisseur of Cheese (or Cheesy? lol), Resident Mischief Maker, Adult with Spina Bifida

(Lucas preferred not to share a photo on the internet but said...)

I'm a stubborn Irish-German American enthusiastic home chef desert rat Buddhist semi-intellectual over-educated librarian/bookworm/book snob proud American social liberal, so do as you please and don't tell me what to do or what to think, newly activist bife

A child of God, an older sister, a daughter, a friend, I am always willing to help others, caring, loving, gentle, calm, and strong.

Witty, smart , silly, stubborn , brave , happy , outgoing , LOUD, original, determined!

Educated, self-determined, independent, educated, activist, leader, compassionate, caring, giving, witty, visionary, nomad, ornery , explorer, advocate

 I'm a daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece,friend,Christian and volunteer

Son of Christ, charismatic, charming, lover of all sports, surfer, heart for people, strength beyond words, and a dose of Spina Bifida to make it all interesting daily

Mom, wife, friend, Christian, art lover, self-proclaimed comedian

Christian, wife, writer, comedian, lover of life, total goofball, dancer, happy

I am an adult with Spina Bifida, but it does not define me. Here are a few words, however that do: DETERMINED, CARING, HARDWORKING, AND TENACIOUS.



 Strong, wife, prickly pear, sarcastic fierce warrior and defender of the defenseless, writer, crocheter, painter, driven, passionate, intense

 Nine yr old, big brother, blonde haired blue eyed ladies man, train lover, Pittsburgh steelers fan, IPad obsessed, Mario Kart dominator, Pain in the butt, spelling guru, math challenged, momma's boy

Daughter, sister, friend, Christian, witty, educated, independent, empathetic, strong, go-getter, overcomer, extrovert, athletic, practical, methodical and honest

son, grandson, brother, nephew

loving, outgoing, athletic

loves to play

loves his friends

stubborn, brave

full of laughter

biggest smile in the world

 Spina bifida.... one small part of an amazing whole!