In the heart of our community lies a beacon of hope and connection: Walk-N-Roll for Spina Bifida. Walk-N-Roll events are held in communities across the country, bringing people together to celebrate, connect, learn, and most importantly, raise awareness about Spina Bifida, one of the nation’s most common, permanently disabling birth defects compatible with life.
For The Kennedy family, including Reagan, a three-year-old girl with Spina Bifida, her sister Emily, and her parents, Jasmin and Skylar, this event wasn’t just a fun day at the local park. It was a transformative experience that highlighted the power of community.
Excitement bubbled as they arrived. The Kennedys were greeted with open arms and warm smiles, instantly feeling like they belonged. There were no sorrowful, sympathetic glances. Instead, they were embraced with genuine warmth and celebration. At the Walk-N-Roll, Reagan’s name wasn’t whispered with pity. It was shouted with joy.
For Jasmin and Skylar, connecting with families they had only known online was a revelation. They discovered a network of support and understanding that extended far beyond the event itself. It wasn’t just about sharing practical advice and trading doctors’ information. It was about sharing in the joys and challenges of raising a child with Spina Bifida and finding solace in those shared experiences. It was knowing that they weren’t alone but part of a vibrant community. For Reagan, it was seeing someone who looked like her.
To families like the Kennedys, the Walk-N-Roll is more than a one-time event. It’s a lifeline. It provides access to vital resources and information, empowering families to navigate their journey with confidence and resilience. It’s a reminder that no family should walk alone and that together, we can create a world where every individual is celebrated and encouraged.
As they left the Walk-N-Roll, Jasmin, Skylar, Reagan, and Emily carried with them more than just memories; they carried a sense of belonging and the promise of a brighter future.
“I now know I have someone in my community, if I’m struggling. We can meet up. We can share referrals for doctors and pass along programs and resources.”-Jasmin, Reagan’s mom