We are very fortunate to have the support from SHINE (Spina Bifida, Hydrocephalus, Information, Networking & Equality charity) The team from SHINE have been invaluable to us since we first received the diagnosis of spina bifida during my pregnancy. Yesterday they were holding an event on the Peace Bridge in Derry, were 1200 people all linked hands to raise money and awareness for spina bifida & hydrocephalus. The Peace Bridge isn't far from my parent's mobile home in Donegal so we went along and it was wonderful to see so many people show up. Sometimes, it can seem as if very few people know what life is like when you have a child with spina bifida but this event highlighted just how many people lives are affected by the condition. It was lovely to see another mum who's daughter also has spina bifida. We met on an support forum when she was pregnant with her little girl and now she is a beautiful 14month old! I spoke with a few adults with spina bifida, some who were going along to the fun day after the Peace Bridge event to take part in sports activities along with their families. It's so nice to see that life with spina bifida is not limiting at all. Caitlin can achieve whatever she wants too.
After the Peace Bridge we made our way for lunch and Caitlin got so excited when she spotted Benny Bear! Benny Bear is a special bear, he has hydrocephalus and needs a shunt, and I read Caitlin his storybooks often. His stories explain that sometimes Benny's shunt breaks and he gets sick and has to have it fixed. I tell her she has a shunt like Benny Bear. She loves that. She was delighted when she spotted him in the flesh! I thought she would like him from afar and be scared when she got close but I was so wrong! She couldn't stop smiling!
She shook his hand and give him high fives,
When Benny had to go, Caitlin got upset and ran after him, he lifted her up and give her a big cuddle while I stood in shock, usually Caitlin is very strange with people she doesn't know but she sure wasn't with Benny!
And the fun didn't stop there. After meeting Benny we went to the fun day organised by SHINE. Caitlin painted, made a toy plane, watched a puppet show and took part in a kids music class were she clapped, played & sang songs.
We finished the day with a visit to the park,
She had an absolute ball and after all those fun activities, she was fast asleep within a few minutes of the drive home. It was a great day :)
