Living with Spina Bifida

By Charlene Childers

I am 41 years old and I’m dealing with my spina bifida every day. I work full-time at Tyndall Federal Credit Union in Panama City. I have been with Tyndall for 20 years!

I use a manual wheelchair to get where I need to go. I also have a shunt that sends fluid from my brain to my stomach. I have had numerous surgeries to replace the shunt, for my dislocated hip, and other problems. Also, I have bone growths all over my body, especially around my left knee.

I do not let my disability stop me from going places. My latest trip was to Niagara Falls in Canada. A friend from church travels with me since I do not drive and need some help. I have been to several NASCAR races in Talladega, Alabama, the aquarium in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and other places.

My childhood was pretty much like every other. My brother and sister did not give me any special treatment. I would give it right back to them if they messed with me. My family and I went places just like everybody else. Every hunting season, my dad would put my chair in the front seat of our Jeep and we would take off to the woods for hours on end! We also went fishing, either on the banks or on the boat we had. I even had a go-cart with hand controls so I could drive it myself!

My elementary school had just one accessible classroom. In the summertime, they would take us down to APD’s Billy Joe Rish park where they have cabins, boardwalks, and a pool that are all 100-percent accessible. As I got older, I was mainstreamed into regular classes. When I started middle school, I stayed home for two weeks until they made everything accessible.

My high school was fully accessible. I rode the school bus every day. I went to all school activities, even the proms! After I finished school, I did not let the wheelchair stop me. I would hang out at the skating rink on Friday and Saturday nights until I was old enough to start going to the clubs. I liked listening to live bands with friends.

When I was in school I was the poster child for the March of Dimes. I had to wear a wig on TV because of shunt surgery. I met several TV stars, including Ted Lange, who played Isaac Washington, the bartender on “The Love Boat,” and two actors from “Days of Our Lives.”

You may think this is crazy, but I can tell when a storm or hurricane is coming because my shunt will mess up and I usually end up in the hospital. During Hurricane Elena, the doctors wanted to do surgery to replace it. But the next morning I woke up and I was fine. Fortunately, now that I’m older, my shunt has not bothered me as much.

When I was a baby, the doctors said I would never live or, if I did, I would not live a full life. But I have totally proven them wrong! I am actually a miracle because now I am 41 years old with a full-time job!

Note: Childers has started a blog to share her experiences. Check it out at https://cchilders24.wordpress.com and maybe leave a comment. She would love to hear from you.

APD customer Charlene Childers of Panama City is proof that someone with spina bifida can have an enjoyable and fulfilling life.