HISTORY

The Spina Bifida of Greater St. Louis (SBSTL) was founded in 1969 as the Parents Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus of MO and IL. The name was changed in 1980 to Spina Bifida Association of Greater St. Louis. SBASTL is one of the founding chapters of the National Spina Bifida Association of America (SBAA) that was formed in 1973. In 2008, SBASTL became no longer affiliated with SBAA and our organization was renamed Spina Bifida of Greater St. Louis, Inc. (SBSTL). We service the eastern half of Missouri & the southern half of Illinois.

Purpose of Our Organization

To help individuals with neural tube defects attain their maximum capabilities.

To help promote and provide emotional and educational support for individuals with neural tube defects and their families.

To promote public awareness and concerns for all persons born with spina bifida, hydrocephalus, and other related neural tube defects.

To advocate for, and encourage enactment of, legislation promoting educational and employment opportunities and the removal of architectural barriers.

To promote the development of social skills and to provide opportunities for interaction and networking with other individuals with Spina Bifida.

Facts About SBSTL

SBSTL is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All board members are volunteers, and many board members are parents and friends of children with Spina Bifida, or adults with Spina Bifida. Current greater St. Louis area membership is over 350 members. All donations to SBSTL are used to support our local organization in the St. Louis area. Our organization helps to educate the public and support individuals and parents/family members living with this birth defect.

2025 Board of Directors

Chair: Bob Baer

Vice Chair: Gary Vaughn

Treasurer: Melanie Willis

Secretary: Bethany Herrera

Business Manager: Gary Vaughn

Members at Large

Pam Abbott

Debbie Angleton

Norma Asher

Sarah Inge

Jane Jackson

Ron LeBeau

Courtney Lambert

Joyce Schneider

Amanda Somers

MaryAnn Wilson

Coordinators

0-5 Group: Amanda Somers

6-12 Group: Sarah Inge

13-16 Group: Ron LeBeau

YAA (17+ with SB): Jane Jackson & Bethany Herrera

Hospital Program: Gary Vaughn

Social Media: Bob Baer, Bethany Herrera & Melanie Willis

Retreat Chair: Norma Asher

Golf Chair: Pam Abbott & Courtney Lambert