#SBHTogether: Continue The Conversation
#SBHTogether: Continue The Conversation
Linda Benard: Always on the Go By Mary Dufton
Linda Benard was born with spina bifida, but never let it dictate her life or limit her options. The 77-year-old Langdon, Ontario resident has been active her entire life. She got her driver’s license at age 17 and treasures the freedom and independence it offers. Born in Dalhousie, New Brunswick, Linda lived in Sudbury, Thunder […]
Mary’s Musings: Shining A Light On Hydrocephalus & Spina Bifida Awareness Month by Mary Dufton
June is Hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida Awareness month, so I decided to write about my experience living with both medical conditions. Hydrocephalus is caused by an abnormal build up of cerebral spinal fluid in the brain. It can cause permanent brain damage or be life-threatening if not treated but it is often managed with surgery […]
Em Jordan Finds Her Voice by Mary Dufton
Ever since she was a little girl, 20 year old Em Jordan loved to sing. She began writing music and performing competitively from about age nine. Em also plays the piano, guitar and saxophone. Music makes her feel good about herself and is a form of self-expression. Born with spina bifida, Em grew up in […]
A Sibling Story: Natalie and Adam by Mary Dufton
For board member and long-time supporter Natalie Clydesdale, hydrocephalus has always been part of her family’s story. Her younger brother Adam, now 29, was born with the condition. His journey surgeries starting at just four months old, countless hospital stays, and the resilience he has shown through it all has shaped Natalie’s life in profound ways. […]
Mélanie Héroux: Athlete and Advocate for the Voiceless by Mary Dufton
Mélanie Héroux, who was born with hydrocephalus, is a tireless advocate for people with disabilities as well as a Special Olympics athlete. She is currently preparing for the 2026 Special Olympics National Games, which will be held in Medicine Hat. The 42-year-old, who was born in Timmins, competes in swimming, bowling and volleyball. Mélanie currently […]
Alexandra Rego’s Journey to Self-Acceptance and Wellness By Mary Dufton
Alexandra Rego, who was born with spina bifida, and hydrocephalus, channeled her lived experience and love of children into training in early childhood education. She has an educational assistance diploma, specializing in children with disabilities and teaching and learning strategies. She was also able to work with children and teenagers through her many co-op experiences. […]
Cheryl Ebenal: Living life by her own rules by Mary Dufton
Cheryl Ebenal, who originates from Maidstone, Saskatchewan, learned early on that she would not let her disability dictate her life or what she chose to do with it. One of six children, Cheryl was born with spina bifida and was diagnosed with hydrocephalus in her twenties. She grew up on a farm in rural Saskatchewan […]
Nathania Simowibowo: Volunteer; Activist and Mentor By Mary Dufton
Although just 25 years old, Nathania Simowibowo has numerous accomplishments in academics, career, disability awareness initiatives and volunteer work. She is also musically and artistically inclined. The Kitchener-Waterloo resident has congenital hydrocephalus. She works as an educator for recreation and school programs and lives with her parents, younger sister and a pet cockapoo named Max. […]