News to Use

SBANYS Featured on WNYT News Channel 13

The Spina Bifida Association of New York State was featured on WNYT News Channel 13 in early February, highlighting ongoing advocacy efforts to improve the lives of individuals impacted by Spina Bifida.

The feature followed a press conference at the New York State Capitol in Albany, where SBANYS leaders called on lawmakers to include $250,000 in the state budget to expand programs and services for the Spina Bifida community. During the interview, Executive Director Julia Duff and Board Member Joe Slaninka discussed the organization’s mission and the impact of this proposed funding on families across New York State.

From Awareness to Action: Turing Your Voice into Legislative Change

This session focuses on turning awareness into practical advocacy. Featuring Julia Duff, Executive Director of the Spina Bifida Association of New York State, and Cliff Perez, it includes guidance on staying informed, building connections, and developing structured efforts that can lead to legislative progress.

Blogs

Path to Independence
By Spina Bifida Association of NYS / March 24, 2026

Path to Independence

Self-catheterization is an important step toward independence for many people with Spina Bifida. It allows individuals to manage their bladder...

Read More
Monitoring Hydrocephalus
By Spina Bifida Association of NYS / March 24, 2026

Monitoring Hydrocephalus

For people living with Spina Bifida, monitoring Hydrocephalus is essential. Shunts help drain excess fluid from the brain, but they...

Read More
Update: Medicare DME Supplier Moratorium
By Spina Bifida Association of NYS / March 17, 2026

Update: Medicare DME Supplier Moratorium

We want to share a brief update regarding a recent six-month Medicare moratorium affecting certain Durable Medical Equipment (DME) suppliers....

Read More
From Birth to Beyond: Mary’s Story
By Spina Bifida Association of NYS / December 17, 2025

From Birth to Beyond: Mary’s Story

Your Bladder Cancer Checklist Living with Spina Bifida demands extraordinary strength, resilience, and self-advocacy. It’s not just about managing daily...

Read More
From Birth To Beyond: Mary’s Story
By Spina Bifida Association of NYS / December 10, 2025

From Birth To Beyond: Mary’s Story

Spina Bifida + Bladder Cancer Takeaways A Shocking Realization This blog series has aimed to shed light on the often-overlooked...

Read More
From Birth to Beyond: Mary’s Story
By Spina Bifida Association of NYS / December 5, 2025

From Birth to Beyond: Mary’s Story

Beyond the Diagnosis: Understanding Cancer’s Hidden Challenges My cancer treatment journey was filled with relentless detours, transforming my life into...

Read More
From Birth to Beyond: Mary’s Story
By Spina Bifida Association of NYS / November 26, 2025

From Birth to Beyond: Mary’s Story

Scarred but Stronger: Surviving the Side Effects of Cancer Treatment When the surgeon told me they’d found and removed a...

Read More
From Birth to Beyond: Mary’s Story
By Spina Bifida Association of NYS / November 18, 2025

From Birth to Beyond: Mary’s Story

The Day I Lost My Bladder—but Kept My Life Receiving the formal diagnosis of advanced, muscle-invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma of...

Read More
From Birth to Beyond: Mary’s Story
By Spina Bifida Association of NYS / November 12, 2025

From Birth to Beyond: Mary’s Story

Courage Beneath the Surface: Facing a Bladder Cancer Diagnosis After a Lifetime with Spina Bifida I never imagined that being...

Read More
From Birth to Beyond: Mary’s Story
By Spina Bifida Association of NYS / November 4, 2025

From Birth to Beyond: Mary’s Story

Hi. I’m Mary. I was born with Spina Bifida – Myelomeningocele. Usually by this point, I lose people. Did I...

Read More