The Spina Bifida Resource Network (SBRN) based in Central New Jersey is gearing up for their 7th annual “Walk for Empowerment -Stroll ‘n Roll” event happening on Sunday, June 7, 2009 at the Long Branch Boardwalk in Long Branch New Jersey.
Registration for the walk opens at 9:00am and the walk begins at 10:00am. The walk route will start at the main amphitheater stage next to Rooney’s Restaurant at Ocean Avenue North between Cooper and Madison Ave. and will head straight down the boardwalk to the intersection of Morris and Ocean and back. Bagels and beverages will be provided for walkers and supporters. Anyone interested in raising pledges, offering donations or volunteering for the walk can visit www.thesbrn.org and click on Stroll n’Roll or call 908-782-7475 to receive a walk registration brochure by mail.
Spina Bifida is the most frequently occurring, permanently disabling birth defect in the United States. It occurs when there is an incomplete formation of the spine during the first stages of fetal development - a time when most women are unaware they are pregnant. This opening of the spine affects the nerves, causing partial to complete leg paralysis, bowel and bladder incontinence, skin sensitivity, hydrocephalus, and learning disabilities in varying degrees. Children with Spina Bifida endure countless surgeries throughout their childhood and into adulthood, and many families face medical bills nearing 1 million dollars.
The Spina Bifida Resource Network is the only non-profit 501 c3 organization in the Tri-State region that focuses solely on supporting individuals with Spina Bifida. The funds we raise from this event will assist families with extraordinary medical expenses and provide special family support programs for children, teens and adults who face daily life challenges with their disability.
The Spina Bifida Resource Network encourages all women of childbearing age to consume 0.4 mg (400 mcg) of folic acid daily to reduce the incidence of Spina Bifida by up to 75 percent.
Media Contact: Lisa Marie Arieno
Ph:908.782.7475 e-mail:
