I’m Laura Tellado. I’ve decided to write a blog that will chronicle my search for a spokesperson for people with the condition that I have, spina bifida. It is the #1 cause of paralysis in children in America. It is also more common than muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and cystic fibrosis combined.
But, why should you even care about this blog? Well, the fact of the matter is that while taking folic acid can help prevent having a child with spina bifida, there is no known cure for it, and my goal is to encourage people to get the conversation going about spina bifida, and how we can all help people through research and quality of life programs.
So, if you’re interested, please share this link with people you know. Spina bifida is a lot more common than you may think.
47 Comments
September 9, 2009 at 3:12 pm
Hello Laura,
I’m very impressed by your site and your connections. I’m also very proud of you. You’re pursuing your dream and are making it become a reality. Keep up the terrific work and stay as good as you are !
Dr K
September 9, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Thanks, Dr. K! I appreciate your support. I hope you can pass along the link to my blog to your patients (especially those w/ SB) and colleagues, anyone you know who might have the slightest interest. I owe so much of my well-being today to you! Hope you are doing great, and may God Bless you always!
Love,
Laura
September 10, 2009 at 11:20 am
Querida Laura,
Muuchas felicidades por este blog. Sé que será el comienzo de muchos proyectos maravillosos. Me enorgullece muchísimo que contemos con estudiantes hispanos tan talentosos y perseverantes como tú. Ya verás como todos tus sueños se hacen realidad.
Un abrazo desde San Juan,
Cristina
September 10, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Muchísimas gracias por tu ánimo, Cristina! Desde que empezé en NAHJ, haz sido tan buena amiga conmigo, y te lo agradezco con toda mi alma. Oye, pero te mudaste? No lo sabía! Bueno, si Dios lo permite nos encontraremos en algún momento. Yo me paso viajando para P.R.!
September 10, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Great blog! I will be following along and encourage many other people to do the same.
Many Blessings!
Sarah
September 10, 2009 at 12:55 pm
Thanks a million, Sarah! This is just what I need to get this message across to as many people as possible. I really count on everybody’s support to make this happen.
HUGS.
September 10, 2009 at 1:22 pm
I wish you the best of luck in your journey. I just know you will succeed. I have book marked your blog so that I can follow your dream with you.
September 10, 2009 at 8:54 pm
Hi Kris,
Thank you so much! I really appreciate your encouragement.
Laurita
September 10, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Laurita,
I know that your will work hard in your quest to find a hero to rally the masses in the hopes of finding a cure for spinal bifida.
But you won”t have to look far to find a hero.
You are one already.
much love
George
September 10, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Gracias, George!
Aprecio tanto tu apoyo. Hace tiempo que no hablamos. Espero que todo está muy bien contigo. Please continue sharing this link with others, as that will make all the difference. You are my hero, too!
Laurita
September 10, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Wow, I’m impressed with you and what you’re doing! It’s obvious that you have the persistence and creativity to make a real impact. I wish I could help with your cause in some small way. Do you do anything requiring money? I’d gladly give you a donation. Best of luck to you, and I hope you find that spokesperson!
September 10, 2009 at 2:35 pm
Hi Adam!
Thank you for your encouraging comments. As for money, I am not actually seeking donations through my blog, but if you are interested, I can give you the Web site for the Spina Bifida Association of America. It is http://www.sbaa.org. They will gladly accept donations.
For me, you can definitely spread the word to everyone you know about this blog and its purpose. That would be an AMAZING help to me! If even a few of you could talk to people and give them the link, I just know that the message will spread exponentially.
Also, if you know anyone who is a high-profile personality or someone of great influence, I welcome any and all connections. I am both writing to people of influence in order to appeal to them, as well as asking them to promote my blog.
Thank you so much, and I hope you keep following my blog! There is much more to come.
Laurita
September 10, 2009 at 9:07 pm
Laurita,
Good vibes+hard work=YOU!
You are rockin’ it with this blog–LOVE it!
Me encanta the way you write and express yourself-go mija. Your refreshing way of explaining what you are doing to get a spokesperson is engaging…here’s wishing a BIG star will say YES to you soon!
Ybeth
September 10, 2009 at 9:35 pm
Hola Ybeth,
Me alegro tanto escuchar de tí! San Juan was so much fun! Thank you soooooo much for your awesome, encouraging words. They mean the WORLD to me. Ever since we met, I’ve admired you and you’ve been like a big sister to me. I hope to make you proud!! Sabiendo que tu conoces a muchas personas, pido que PORFAVOR compartas el blog con todos. Eso me ayudaría mucho. Y saludos a tu familia tan bella!
Te quiero mucho,
Laurita
September 12, 2009 at 2:25 pm
Well done Laurita, this blog is truely inspirational and might I say some amazing writing from you!
I wish you every success with the blog. xxx
September 12, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Wow Laurita! What can I say this is a truely inspirational blog.. Amazing writing skills from you as well! I wish you all the success with the blog xx
September 12, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Sorry just realised I typed twice as I didn’t think it had accepted my first comment
September 17, 2009 at 10:22 am
Hola, Laurita.
Acabo de ver tu blog y me enorgullece (aún más) que seas mi sobrina. Eres siempre un ejemplo de pasión y voluntad y espero que logres tus objetivos. (Además, eres muy buena periodista!)
Muchas bendiciones, fortaleza y salud. Te quiero mucho.
September 17, 2009 at 1:23 pm
Tio!!
Ahhhhh….me hiciste LLORAR en la universidad. He he…gracias. No tienes idea de cuanto necesito del apoyo tuvo y de todos ustedes. Son los mejores que me entienden y que me conocen por quien soy.
Te amo!
Lauri
September 18, 2009 at 1:58 pm
Woow, me encanta tu fortaleza…Ademas eres muy chistosa. Que bueno que existen personas como tu, que pelean por llegar lejos. Hope you find your happy ending soon!
September 18, 2009 at 10:22 pm
Muchas gracias, Xiul! Me alegro tanto que te inspire mi blog. Espero que porfavor sigas compartiendolo con todos los que conoces! Que Dios te Bendiga,
Laurita
September 19, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Tu blog esta fabuloso. Escribes de manera muy clara y precisa. Tu estilo es muy profesional y a la vez muy claro y facil de entender. Tu tienes mucha voluntad y creatividad. Te deseo exito. Se que lograras siempre lo que te propongas. Se que vas a ser una profesional muy exitosa. Adelante!
Tu amigo de siempre
RENE
September 24, 2009 at 7:46 am
Hola, René!
Gracias por tu apoyo y por tu comentario tan lindo. Te lo agradezco un montón.
Sabes que te quiero mucho siempre, y te considero un gran amigo. Eres como de la familia!
Laurita
September 22, 2009 at 6:39 pm
Laura,
You rock girl! This site is for sure to get other to notice that C.P. is not the on;y disability out there.
September 22, 2009 at 6:39 pm
Only*
September 23, 2009 at 2:21 pm
I have two suggestions 1.) we can have jobs and work 8 hours without having ssi getting in the way because to me that is not fair to us that we have to work part time so, that we could keep out ssi We need to show them that people like us can work hours like anyone else. 2.) Those who go through the company assisted living & vocational rehabilitation for help to get started looking for a job. When a counselor once helps the person understand what resumes & applications are. Then they should look for a job themselves.
September 24, 2009 at 7:45 am
Hey Shannon!
Laurita
Thanks for posting your thoughts on my blog! I’m sure that many people like us agree, and that they find themselves in that situation.
September 23, 2009 at 10:51 pm
Very impressive, sobrina. I find your entries very interesting and well-written. Keep up the good work and best of luck with this worthy endeavor. Saludos from hot and humid Santa Rosa.
September 24, 2009 at 7:43 am
Gracias, Tío!
Please keep spreading the word as best you can. I need your help with this!
I love you!
Laurita
September 24, 2009 at 1:23 pm
Lauritaaa…
Qué alegría saber que el proyecto continúa tan bien. Me paso leyendo tus escritos. Ánimo y sigue adelante que pronto encontrarás ese HERO!
September 24, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Mil gracias, Cristina! Tu has sido una de mis “héroes” desde el principio, con tu apoyo, tu entusiasmo, y tus ideas. Pase lo que pase, este proyecto me ha mostrado a mí que verdaderamente hay muchas personas que me quieren mucho.
Laurita
September 24, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Mil gracias, Cristina! Tu has sido una de mis “héroes” desde el principio, con tu apoyo, tu entusiasmo, y tus ideas. Pase lo que pase, este proyecto me ha mostrado a mí que verdaderamente hay muchas personas que me quieren mucho.
Laurita
September 25, 2009 at 8:27 pm
Laura,
I can’t begin to express how deeply touched I am by your ambition, your dream and your overall sunny disposition.
My son, Roman, was born with Spina Bifida. He’s 6 months old now and a total charmer. As a mother of a child with Spina Bifida I can tell you, it’s so refreshing to find that people like you exist.
In your quest to find a hero for yourself and the millions of people living with SB, you’ve become mine.
My endless thanks,
Erica Potter
September 25, 2009 at 9:31 pm
Hi Erica!
Thanks so much for your wonderful comments. (Tears welled up in my eyes!) I’m so glad that this blog is inspiring you. I know from personal experience that it is difficult to foresee what life has in store for you, especially when you love someone who has SB.
I’ve always been one to worry a lot, but I turned out okay. Frankly, though, with this blog, it’s helping me out a lot more than I anticipated– I have something awesome to look forward to each day! Right now, I guess, I’m just playing it by ear.
Blessings,
Laurita
September 26, 2009 at 10:47 am
I was fortunate enough to be directed to your blog and what you’re doing is wonderful. Like others have said you are a hero just for putting this awareness out there. I’m 27 and have SB and have passed your blog along to all those I know.
September 26, 2009 at 3:09 pm
Hi Laura! I just found your website through a spina bifida e-mail group that I am part of. I think this is a great website. I will post the link to your site on another website that I go on a lot, and hopefully this will gain some more popularity. Please keep up the good work!
September 26, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Hi Chris!
Thank you soooo much for checking out my blog and sharing it on a Web site! I’m curious as to what spina bifida group you’re part of. I confess, this is probably the first time that I have actually used modern technology to connect with others with SB. And I must say, I think that once people started posting the link on other sites, the numbers really grew!
So thanks! It’s working!
God Bless,
Laura
September 30, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Dear Laura,
I have always prayed for my patients and will add you to the list of “those, Father, dear to my heart.” The main thing is always to keep the main thing the main thing!
I look forward to more of your journey!
doc+
October 2, 2009 at 9:46 pm
Laura -
My 5 month old daughter Alyssa was born with Spina Bifida. I’m so grateful to find people like you who will be her role models as she grows. Thank you for doing this!
October 3, 2009 at 8:33 am
Hi Kathy!
I’m so honored that you are enjoying the blog. I hope you will continue to read it, and that the information and experiences described in it will somehow help you both! Blessings to you and Alyssa.
Laura
October 5, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Love the website Laura. I’m sending it to people as i type. Well not as I type but you know what I mean
October 5, 2009 at 11:42 pm
Laura,
I am so happy I came across your blog. You are a precious hero to the SB community. I have a 8 month old daughter with SB and like you try to encourage more to speak of this condition and spread awareness. I will do all I can to help you with your search and pass any info your way. In the meantime…would you mind if I post your blog on my website? http://www.kystbyeverlee.com
thx,
karlee
October 6, 2009 at 5:50 am
Hi Karlee,
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement! Your comment was the first thing I read before heading to my college campus for classes, and I know that will give me some much-needed fuel for today! Yes, by all means, please post my blog on your site! I will definitely check it out later today when I have the time.
Blessings to you and your little girl,
Laura
October 19, 2009 at 8:00 pm
Laura!!!
Increíble que ya se cumplen 51 días de esta aventura. Confieso que me he disfrutado tus amenas lecturas muchísimo. Nada más llegar aquí ha sido un logro enorme para ti. Además la entrevista con Telemundo, la invitación a dar el mensaje durante el Hispanic Heritage Month y lograr que ahora cientos de personas conozcan más de la condición. (Incluyendóme)
Sé que debe ser díficil recibir respuestas negativas, automáticas o mensajes diciendo que no. Aún así, esto sólo permitirá que el día que encuentres tu heroé te disfrutes más ese triunfo.
Un abrazo fuerte,
Cristina
November 25, 2009 at 7:38 am
[...] variation, but from my referrals, I get most of my readers coming from Just Believe, or Holding Out For a Hero this seems like an easy way to connect with people we aren’t already [...]
December 19, 2009 at 8:51 pm
Hi,
I have a quick suggestion for a person to write to if you think it’s worth it. He doesn’t have the same condition but you may want to look into him. His name is Sean Stephenson, and his website is http://timetostand.com. Hope I’m not leading you on a wild goose chase…
December 24, 2009 at 1:56 pm
Just posted to my facebook page and asked people to follow you on twitter. Hope that helps.