October is recognized as Spina Bifida Awareness Month–a time to shed light on the causes, treatments and support of the paralyzing birth condition. Spina Bifida, the most common permanently disabling birth defect in the U.S., occurs during a child’s formation in their mother’s womb. Spina Bifida, which means “split spine,” happens when the baby’s spinal column doesn’t close all the way. In the U.S. alone, eight babies are born daily with Spina Bifida or similar spinal cord and brain defects. While the cause of thecondition remains unknown, genetics and environment are believed to play a role