Voices of the Spina Bifida Community: Christina’s Story
Meet Col. Christina Fanitzi
Christina lives in West Point, New York and is a career U.S. Army Officer with more than 22 years of active service. She is also the proud mother of her three-year-old son, Christian, who lives with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, and a dedicated Board Member of the Spina Bifida Association of New York State.
At 16 weeks pregnant, Christina learned that her son would be born with Spina Bifida. Like many parents, the diagnosis came with fear, grief, and uncertainty. With limited information provided at the time, she was forced to navigate unfamiliar territory while carrying the weight of what the future might hold. What followed was a decision that would shape her journey forward: to face the diagnosis head-on, remain hopeful, and advocate fiercely for her son.
Christian was born in December 2022 and quickly became the center of Christina’s world. Today, she describes him as curious, joyful, and full of personality. While challenges exist, Christina focuses on celebrating milestones, embracing the present, and finding strength in community. As she often reminds other parents, you are not alone.
Christina joined the SBANYS Board, helped expand resources for families across New York State, fundraised with SBANYS, and used her platform as Mrs. New York America 2025 to raise awareness for Spina Bifida.
For expectant and new parents, SBANYS offers resources and support, including a letter written by Christina herself: https://sbanys.org/expectant-and-new-parents/
Marcos Taveras
Spina Bifida Association of NYS