History
The hope of this tournament is to raise money for programs to help individuals with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, but more importantly to educate the public so that one day people with this condition will not have to always explain what Spina Bifida is to everyone new that comes along in their lives.
February 29, 2008 marked the wedding of Todd Benner and Wendy Zahodnik on 91.7 FM The Bounce on the Pepper and Dylan Morning Show. The reception has held at Hunter’s Green Golf Club and it was there that it was announced that they wished to host the first annual Keegan Benner Charity Golf Tournament for Spina Bifida named after our unborn son. Keegan Benner was born March 26th 2008 with Myelomeningocele Spina Bifida in the lower region of his back.
For an interview of that day, please check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34CqQM4rCEc
The day after he was born he received his first surgery. He had a total of 5 surgeries and six weeks in and out of the Stollery Children’s Hospital here in Edmonton. Today he is doing well now that he is over one year old and as happy as can be. The extent of his condition is not obvious at this time, however his strength of character and the helpful aide of the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Northern Alberta and other “Spina Bifida Friendly” associations here in his hometown of Edmonton. These include The Paralympic Sports Association of Edmonton ('PSA') and Canadian Association of Disabled Skiers ('CADS').
People with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus are living longer than before. Before Keegan was one, he witnessed the official opening of Canada’s first Adult Spina Bifida clinic at the Glenrose Hospital. Edmonton is home to many individuals with varying degrees of Spina Bifida. Many of them lead independent and interesting lives, and the support given by the SBHANA helps council and educate from birth to adulthood.
The Daisy
The association’s symbol is the daisy, which represents the challenges of spina bifida and hydrocephalus:
- The heart of the flower represents the brain, which in the case of persons living with spina bifida, is often affected by hydrocephalus
- The daisy’s petals are cloven, thereby representing the various lesions caused by spina bifida and hydrocephalus
- The daisy’s leaf and stem are irregular and depict the unusual form of the spinal cord and backbone of a person born with spina bifida
The beauty of the flower reflects the beauty of people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus who, in spite of their challenges, live happy and productive lives.
What are Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus?
What is spina bifida?
Spina bifida is a neural tube birth defect (NTD) that occurs within the first four weeks of pregnancy. The spinal column fails to develop properly resulting in varying degrees of permanent damage to the spinal cord and nervous system. Infants born with spina bifida may have an open lesion on their spine where significant damage to the nerves and spinal cord occurs. Although the spinal opening is surgically repaired shortly after birth, the nerve damage is permanent – leading to partial or total paralysis of the lower limbs, depending largely on the location and severity of the lesion. Even with no visible lesion, there may be improperly formed or missing vertebrae, and accompanying nerve damage. Eighty percent of individuals with spina bifida also have hydrocephalus. The three most common types of spina bifida:
Myelomeningocele – the most severe form in which the spinal cord and its protective covering, the meninges, protrude from the opening in the spine.
Meningocele – the spinal cord develops normally but only the meninges protrude from the opening created by damaged or missing vertebrae and may be exposed.
Occulta – which means “hidden”, indicates that the defect, where one or more vertebrae are malformed, is covered by a layer of skin. Occulta is the mildest form.
What Causes Spina Bifida?
There is no single known cause of spina bifida. Researchers are studying the effects of heredity, nutrition, environment and pollution, which physically damage the fetus.
How is Spina Bifida Treated?
There is no cure for spina bifida or hydrocephalus. Treatment often involves surgery, therapy and can also include medication. Many people with spina bifida benefit from mobility supports such as braces, crutches, or wheelchairs. Almost all will have some sort of bladder or bowel dysfunction.
Folic Acid
Scientific research has proved that folic acid supplements taken by a woman for a period of time before conception and through her pregnancy can reduce the incidence of spina bifida and other NTDs in the fetus by as much as 70%. Health Canada recommends that all women of child bearing age eat folate-rich foods every day and take a daily multivitamin which contains 0.4mg of folic acid. Women with a family history of neural tube defects are at increased risk and should consult their physician to determine the amount of folic acid they should be taking. Visit www.folicacid.ca for more information.
What is hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus is the excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain. It may be present at birth of may develop later in life. The high fluid pressures on the brain can result in lasting effects. These may include impaired vision, hearing, mobility and coordination along with seizures, headaches, hormonal imbalance and learning disabilities.
How is Hydrocephalus Treated?
Treatment for hydrocephalus usually involves surgically implanting a flexible tube (a shunt) into the ventricles of the brain to drain away excess cerebrospinal fluid. With treatment, intelligence and lifespan are similar to those of the general population. However, most people with hydrocephalus will have some form of learning disabilities.
Latex Allergy Alert
Studies have shown that up to 73% of individuals with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus are allergic to natural latex, the sap of the rubber tree. Sensitivity to latex can happen at any time.
Contact: Tournament Director - Todd Benner (780) 288 2603
Fax: (780) 401 3135
Email: keeganbenner@gmail.com
Contact: SBHANA (780)451 6921
Contact: Hunter's Green (780) 973 6686
