Walk 'n Roll... for Spina Bifida

Saturday morning, our family got on the metro towards DC. We were heading to a Walk 'n Roll for Spina Bifida... something that I have been looking to do since Joshua was born. It was quite a day. There was nothing like it. For those who don't know, Spina bifida is a neural tube defect where the spinal cord doesn't close all the way during pregnancy. Researchers have found that this is due to a lack of folic acid in the mother. Research has been broadened and they have found that mothers who have children with spina bifida, may not be absorbing the folic acid as well as others. Folic acid doesn't last very long, so it needs to be taken everyday! They are also finding that it may be genetic. (Researchers aren't quite sure of this yet.) Which would explain why Joshua got it. McKay's sister has spina bifida occulta (mild form of spina bifida). My grandmother has a spina bifida bone. We are lucky that Gavin has no signs of it. We are waiting to hear from a genetic counselor to see what the chances are of our next child having spina bifida.

Anyway, this day was dedicated to those who have spina bifida. We had so much fun!







When we arrived there, our Relief Society president was walking towards us. Come to find out, she was a representative of one of the company's sponsering this event. It was so great that she was able to enjoy this event with us!




The boys also were able to get there face painted. Joshua chose a dog... his favorite these days!


Gavin chose a Cheetah. He looked so awesome. He was scared at first, so he wanted Josh to do it first and then he would do it. He thought it involved needles. This kid is no fan of needles!








Joshua was asked to pick the raffle ticket at the end of the event. The raffle ticket holder was so big that his little arms couldn't fit in there to grab a ticket. So I had to pick it and then hand it to Josh so he could hand it to the announcer. It was pretty cool that he was selected. He will think it was cool someday!

This was a day we will never forget.. We as a family were able to support Joshua in his trial in life. He is the kind of child who can handle it. He has such a great disposition and the personality for it. I believe that Heavenly Father gives us trials that He knows we can handle. Watching Joshua throughout these last 2 years has been a very humbling experience for me. He hasn't complained once about not being able to walk like the others. I know he is only 2, but he could easily give up and crawl every where. But he wants to walk every where in his walker. He wants me to help him walk up the stairs. He is so independent. Because of this, the orthopedist has told us that if he can just work on his balance, he will not need support to help him walk. What a blessing! I am so grateful for Joshua in my life. I love him so much and I am glad that he is a part of our family. He teaches us everyday... more than we know!

LOVE YOU JOSHUA!