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In this episode of Open Book, we hear from Sydney Stuart, Executive Director of Spina Bifida Association of Iowa. Spina Bifida is the most common permanently disabling birth defect that is associated with life in the United States. It’s a type of neural tube defect (NTD) that occurs when a baby’s neural tube fails to develop or close properly – the literal meaning for Spina Bifida is “split spine”. Typically occurring within the first 28 days of pregnancy, while the neural tube is forming, Spina Bifida often occurs before a woman knows she is pregnant. Spina Bifida Association of Iowa incorporated in 1974. Over the past five decades, they have enhanced the lives of Iowans affected by spina bifida. Since incorporation, the organization has been steadfast in advocacy and has grown through educational and community events, adaptive recreation opportunities, and financial assistance programs. The organization’s efforts are made possible through the support of passionate and committed volunteers. To learn more about spina bifida and Spina Bifida Association of Iowa, please visit the following links: Website: https://sbaia.org Instagram: @spinabifidaiowa Facebook: @SpinaBifidaAssociationofIowa

In this episode of Open Book, we learn about Maverick told by his mom Amelia and father Casey. Maverick, a little miracle, is defying all odds. To follow Maverick, check out his Instagram (@green_fam23) and TikTok (@ameliamontgomery08) channels. He has 210K followers on Instagram and 2.3 million followers on TikTok!

In this episode of Open Book, we hear from Patty Ericson-Taylor from Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Patty is a women of strength driving for a more accessible world. An advocate in her community, she is already making a tremendous and positive impact. To connect with Patty, her social handle is @pattyericsontaylor. Enjoy!

In this episode of Open Book, we hear from Lori Couch, Director of Development at The Arc of Weld County in Northeast Colorado. The Arc is an advocacy organization dedicated to safeguarding the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Weld County and six surrounding counties. Offering no-fee individual advocacy services, community outreach programs, and systems advocacy, the The Arc promotes rights and independence. Governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, the organization includes self-advocates, parents, guardians, caregivers, and community members. Their upcoming Styles Beyond Stereotypes fashion show will be on October 12, 2024. At the helm of this groundbreaking event is renowned fashion designer Ryland Alms. With creativity and vision, Alms and fellow designer Brittany Gierhart will transform materials primarily sourced from The Arc Thrift Store into unparalleled, one-of-a-kind designs for models with disabilities. To learn more about The Arc and the upcoming Styles Beyond Stereotypes fashion show, please visit the following links: Website: https://lnkd.in/gGZrDGmU Website: https://lnkd.in/eQ57cdF5 Social: @stylesbeyondstereotypes

In this episode of Open Book, we hear from Michelle Warnky Buurma. Michelle is a 10 time Ninja Warrior competitor, motivational speaker, entrepreneur, MLab Ohio gym owner, Obstacle Course Racer, wife, and mother of a beautiful daughter named Grace. As a well-known elite competitor and veteran Ninja Warrior, Michelle is a role model and inspiration to high-achievers and people who want to make the most of this life. With her distance running perseverance and ninja mentality, Michelle believes that failure is a powerful tool on the road to meaningful success. She is passionate about helping other people strengthen their inner warrior so that they can overcome temporary obstacles and focus on what matters most. To learn more about Michelle, please visit the following links: Website: www.michellebuurma.com Website: www.mlabohio.com Instagram: @michellewarnky

In this episode of Open Book, we hear from Maddie Starr, creator of Stella, a charity dedicated to empowering individuals living with diverse conditions and abilities. Maddie's mission is to create an inclusive society where everyone, regardless of their physical, mental or emotional challenges, can thrive and strive to reach their fullest potential. This charity is of great importance to Maddie as it has shown her how important it is to feel heard and understood by other people. Dealing with a condition can be very difficult and overwhelming at any stage in one's life. Raising awareness and having support is a crucial part of having more inclusivity in the world. It helps people that are living with a condition feel less isolated. "Believe you can and your halfway there" To learn more about Stella Charity, please visit the following links: Website: https://charitystella.com Instagram: @stellacharity_

In this episode of Open Book, we hear from Dr. Vera Malushi, Founder of Milestones Pediatric Physical Therapy. Dr. Vera started her clinic during the height of the Covid-19 Pandemic, when many of local rehabilitation clinics stopped providing services. She understood that lack of expert rehabilitation care for the vulnerable pediatric population could cause detriment to their development. Starting and growing a successful practice throughout the pandemic allowed her to deliver skilled PT services throughout Metro Detroit while keeping her precious little patients safe. "At Milestones Pediatric Physical Therapy, we strive to provide the highest quality of wholesome care for your child and can proudly answer YES to all the listed considerations!" To learn more about Milestones Pediatric Physical Therapy, please visit the following links: Website: https://lnkd.in/ggQSkfRW Instagram: @milestones_pediatric_pt

In this episode of Open Book, we hear from Megan Brown and Harley Peterson from the Northwest Rett Syndrome Association. Megan is the current president of Northwest Rett Syndrome Association and Harley is on the fundraising team. Enjoy! The Northwest Rett Syndrome Association offers connection, education, and advocacy for individuals, families, and communities impacted by Rett Syndrome. It is an Oregon-based 501(c)3, founded in the early 1980’s by a group of parents and professionals who recognized the need for a strong regional support group. Their member are individuals, families, friends, and professionals impacted by Rett Syndrome across the Pacific Northwest, including Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. To learn more about the Northwest Rett Syndrome Association and their upcoming annual symposium, please visit the following links: Website: https://lnkd.in/gV9xKe7H Social: @nwrettsyndrome

In this episode of Open Book, we hear from Christine Astarita, Executive Director and founder of Breakthrough Intensive PT, an organization focused on helping kids and adults with disabilities, as well as their families, to improve the quality of their lives. She is also an endurance athlete, using her mission at Breakthrough to fuel the purpose behind her ultra runs and raise awareness that limits are only where we place them. Christine is the author of Breaking Through Special Needs and children’s book, Chance the Therapy Dog: Goes To Work promoting inclusion and resources for those in need. The mission at The Run To Breakthrough is rooted in a commitment to create an inclusive world. They are dedicated to organize inclusive racing and community events that empower individuals with all levels of ability. "Our goal is to foster a community where every individual feels valued, included, and empowered to reach beyond the limits they were told or believed themselves. By promoting inclusion and providing support every step of the way, we aim to create a world where every achievement is celebrated." To learn more about Christine and The Run To Breakthrough, please visit the following links: Website: https://lnkd.in/gmtfn7kp Instagram: @theruntobreakthrough Youtube: @theruntobreakthroughinc

In this episode of Open Book, we hear from Kaelyn Boorman. Kaelyn has autism, epilepsy, hypermobility spectrum disorder, and dyspraxia. When she was younger, she did not know anyone that was like her. Through a friend, she was introduced to Miss Amazing. Miss Amazing is a national self-esteem movement for girls and women with disabilities. They equip girls and women with disabilities with practical tools to own their stories, build upon their strengths, and author their life plans. Kaelyn was crowned Wisconsin Miss Amazing Junior Teen Queen and is now raising money to go to the National Miss Amazing competition in Chicago. To learn more about Kaelyn, here is her fundraising page: https://lnkd.in/gw5-cZPX To learn more about Miss Amazing, please visit https://missamazing.org On Facebook: @kaelyn-boorman, @heather-boorman-morris