By Antonio Torres-Vanga, Founder of Unified Motion
October is Spina Bifida Awareness Month — a time that hits close to home for me.
I was born with spina bifida, and it’s more than just a diagnosis on paper — it’s a lifelong journey that has shaped the person I’ve become. It’s taught me resilience, creativity, and the kind of strength that’s built not from ease, but from facing challenges head-on.
At Unified Motion, we believe awareness isn’t just about sharing facts — it’s about sharing stories. It’s about creating space for people to see what’s possible when we lead with determination and community. Spina bifida is a condition that affects the spine and nervous system, but it doesn’t define a person’s spirit, potential, or purpose.
Growing up, I faced plenty of barriers — both physical and societal. But over time, I realized something powerful: my chair wasn’t my limitation; it was my freedom. It became my way of showing the world that motion, in every form, is strength. That belief has fueled everything we do at Unified Motion — from adaptive sports programs and WCMX clinics to advocacy and awareness efforts that help people with disabilities move, connect, and rise together.
Spina bifida awareness matters because it reminds the world that we’re here — living, thriving, and breaking barriers every day. It reminds parents of newly diagnosed kids that their child’s life can still be full of purpose, adventure, and joy. It reminds communities to make room for accessibility, inclusion, and opportunity.
This month — and every month — we celebrate those who roll forward with courage, those who support loved ones living with spina bifida, and those who fight for a world that values every kind of motion.
Because awareness is just the start. Understanding, inclusion, and empowerment — that’s the real movement.
If you’re reading this and you live with spina bifida — or love someone who does — know this: your story matters, your motion matters, and your life is proof that strength comes in many forms.
Let’s keep rolling forward, together.
