Episode 43

What does it really mean to grow up with Spina Bifida?

All Access DNANov 25, 2025 · 38 min

Episode Description

Patient zero, memoir, understanding. In this conversation, Steven Crane shares his personal journey living with spina bifida, discussing the challenges he faced from birth through adulthood. He reflects on the support from his family, the medical treatments he underwent, and the impact of his condition on his life. Steven emphasizes the importance of advocacy, understanding, and resilience, and how he found purpose through writing about his experiences. He also addresses the complexities of navigating multiple health conditions and the role of healthcare providers in supporting patients.

Key Takeaways:

Spina bifida is a multifactorial condition with varying degrees of impact.
Advocacy for oneself is essential in navigating healthcare.
Writing can be a therapeutic outlet for personal experiences.
Being a patient zero can be both a burden and a responsibility.
Empathy and understanding from healthcare providers can significantly affect patient outcomes.
There are often hidden blessings in challenging circumstances.
Community and shared experiences can foster healing and connection.

Steven Crane is the author of the memoir "I Can Appreciate That", the novel "Staring at the Ceiling", numerous essays, and more than a million words of advertising copy. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, Steven lives in Marietta, GA, with his wife Carie. Their two sons are navigating college at University of GA and GA Southern. More at: www.brainsofsteel.com.

Facebook.com/ICATStory

Instagram: @icanappreciatethat

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