My name is Nicole and I am 24. I have Spina Bifida… more specifically, Myelomeningocele with Hydrocephalus.

When I was growing up, I didn’t really have that many friends that I could relate to or who could relate to me. I felt that it was because of my disability. My parents and my older brother were the only people who I could turn to for guidance and advice on things, but they really did not understand what I was going through with my disability or just life in general.

I found it very difficult to succeed in school, both because I had a learning disability and because I was in and out of school due to check-ups or having yet another surgery. This made it hard to make friends. In addition, when I would have a complication from my Spina Bifida they would make fun of me.

When I was younger, I felt that other children either didn’t like me or did not have the same interests because I was in a wheelchair. I felt that people who saw my wheelchair automatically thought I could not do anything in life whatsoever… that I would just be in a wheelchair and have someone take care of me for the rest of my life. Granted I do have the help of my parents, but it really is not 24/7. As I am getting older I am learning that people just do not have the knowledge about Spina Bifida or are misinformed. All they see is a wheelchair. But it is more than just a chair! We are strong human beings because of what we have had to go through both medically and socially.

Over the past year or two I have really embraced my abilities and have tried to figure out ways I can help others learn more about Spina Bifida. I have found great support groups via Facebook. Hydrocephaluskids.org is also a great outlet for those of us who have Spina Bifida because of the sense of community. We all know what the other person is going through, and we can lend a shoulder to lean on and ears to listen if needed. It’s a great place to make friends with individuals who share a common interest. We need that community to provide a safe social outlet!