Spina bifida is a developmental birth deficiency that involves the neural tube. Partial closure of the embryonic neural tube leads to a partly formed spinal cord. There’s no treatment for nerve damage caused by spina bifida. Here are some famous people with spina bifida.
Van Smith
One of the famous people with spina bifida, he was always amazed by art form and dreamed of becoming a producer of art. Sadly, he couldn’t achieve his first artistic goals because of stiffness caused by spina bifida. He proceeded to earn a degree in fashion and started a career with film producer John Waters. Smith has designed several successful clothes that have appeared in fashion establishments and movies.
Hank Williams, Sr.
Born in 1923, Hiram King Williams was named after Hiram I of Tyre though his name was misspelled as Hiriam on the birth certificate. He was born with mild undiagnosed spina bifida occulta that gave him lifetime pain, an aspect in his later abuse of drugs and alcohol. He tried to fight his drinking problem, but marital problems, crippling spinal pain and career pressures all contributed in making the binges more common during 1951. In December, Williams decided to be operated on, but the operation wasn’t a success.
Rene Kirby
Born 7 February 1955, Rene Kirby is an American television and film actor. He used spina bifida to his benefit when he played his character in Shallow Hal. He’s the living proof that one can lead a fruitful life even with a disability.
Robert Hensel
Robert Hensel has never allowed spina bifida to hinder his artistic mind. He was given the title of one of the greatest poets of the 20th century with more than 900 publications worldwide and holds the world record at Guinness as well as Ripley’s for the longest nonstop wheelie in a wheelchair.
John Cougar Mellencamp
Also known as John Cougar Mellencamp and John Cougar, John Mellencamp is best recognized as an American rock singer-songwriter. As a child, he suffered many impediments, including being born with spina bifida that required an extensive hospitalization as an infant. As a teen, he was rebellious, frequently getting in troubles with the law. At the age of fourteen, he created his first band and continued playing all through his teens.
Bruce Payne
Born 22 November 1960, Bruce Martyn Payne is an English producer and actor. At the age of fourteen, he was diagnosed with a slight type of spina bifida. At age sixteen, he had a 2 year ordeal with spina bifida that needed surgery to treat. He rested for six months after conquering the likelihood of becoming paralyzed.
Jean Driscoll
Born with spina bifida that led to the improper growth of her spine, Jean Driscoll is a popular athlete who’s also making a name as an expert speaker. Her powerful and motivational presentations have been praised by CEOs of non-profit and corporate enterprises, the U.S. government as well as all education system levels.
Frida Kahlo
Born on 6 July 1907, Frida Kahlo was a Mexican painter and has attained immense international popularity. She painted utilizing vibrant hues in a style influenced by native cultures of Mexico and European influences which include Symbolism, Surrealism and Realism.
