Andrew Borg

Looking after a child with spina bifida can be very overwhelming for parents, who must learn to cope with all the therapy and hospital appointments that come with the condition.

Aware of how tough this can be on parents, Luisa Borg set up a Facebook group to ensure parents who have children with spina bifida have a forum where they can speak.

“The first three years are the toughest. Nowadays, with these busy lives, parents might not have time to meet up.

“But a Facebook page can serve as a place where to share experiences and support,” she said.

Her son Andrew, who is four, has spina bifida and Ms Borg said she was lucky to have support and understanding from her family and friends.

However, she would have liked to be able to speak to people in the same situation.

The first three years are the toughest

Called Spina Bifida Facebook Page Malta, the page aims to bring people together to share information, give advice, discuss treatments and equipment, among other subjects.

Spina bifida means “split spine” and refers to a condition that primarily affects the spinal cord. The condition occurs when a baby is in the womb and the spinal column does not close all the way.

People with spina bifida can have problems with walking and getting around or going to the bathroom, gastrointestinal disorders and learning disabilities, among other things. The greater the defect, the more profound the degree of disability.

Between 1993 and 2012, 48 cases of spina bifida were registered in Malta.

Earlier this month The Sunday Times of Malta told the story of Noel Aquilina, a 35-year-old man who has spina bifida.

Mr Aquilina made it his life mission to discredit the prediction made by a doctor soon after he and his twin sister were born.

“I have spina bifida and my sister does not have a disability… My parents tell me that the doctor’s first reaction, when we were born, was to tell them: ‘treasure the girl but forget about the boy since God wants him for himself’. But I never gave up and my parents always encouraged me,” Mr Aquilina told the newspaper.

He works as an accounts clerk, plays the piano and has a passion for sports. He has taken part in several marathons included hand-cycling, paragliding and canoeing challenges.

Ms Borg said it was very encouraging to hear stories of people like Mr Aquilina as it gave her hope that her son could lead a full and happy life.

She hopes the Facebook page will allow people to spread this message of hope as well as offer support.

One recent comment posted on the page reads: “A new baby with spina bifida born this week… our thoughts and prayers go to the new parents... we all know how hard these moments must be for them, the insecurities, the questions, the fears.

“We hope and pray they will have the presence of mind and strength to persevere and do what it takes for their new child. Here if you need us.”