Spina Bifida Association Races (Walk Run Roll)

Vinita High School Student Council is helping Cavin Shambles host his 1-mile Fun Run, a 5K, and a Half-Marathon race for the Spina Bifida Association.

Spina Bifida is a birth defect where the spinal cord is exposed through a gap in the backbone which often results in physical disabilities and developmental delays. The SBA’s (Spina Bifida Association) goal is to raise awareness for the birth defect and the individuals and families that live with it. Currently, surgeries are being performed before birth to repair the spinal defect and more research is needed to improve the quality of life for these individuals and their families.  The reason the goal for this race is a half marathon is due to the difficulty of running 13.1 miles. Individual’s such as Tanai, the sister of the race organizer, Cavin Shambles, with Spina Bifida live each and every day with positivity and the daily goal to improve upon the lives of others regardless of their own personal daily pain. We are inspired by Cavin's sister and the way she chose to live her life and the way she inspired so many around her. A 13.1 mile race may seem daunting to most but everybody is capable of things that their own minds view as impossible. We believe this can be applied to life and the true meaning of success. Everyone always has the choice to have a positive or negative outlook on their day. Individuals such as Tanai show us that no matter how tough life may seem, there is always room to make an impact and change the lives of others for the better. This is why we have high hopes of turning this race into reality and bringing awareness to Spina Bifida.