OVERCOME BIRTH DEFECTS, INC.
BRADENTON, FLORIDA

About Overcome Birth Defects My husband asked me when I first brought up the idea of Overcome Birth Defects what I hoped to achieve by starting a non-profit.  My reason was quite simple: to help children.  Through Overcome Birth Defects, my goal is to provide resources to adults and toys to children. I was born with several congenital disabilities that have in part shaped who I am today.  I spent my childhood visiting doctors, specialists, clinics and hospitals.  Vacations and holidays were spent in hospitals undergoing various surgeries to help correct or make my congenital disabilities functional.  I remember the feeling of dread as a holiday approached because it meant pain and a holiday spent recovering from surgery.  So why start a non-profit? I felt more in control when I had the ability to research and learn about my choices in regards to my medical care.  I also recall the joy when the Big Apple Circus and the NYFD would come through the children's wing and pass out toys.  It is my belief that a person with a disability or a parent whose child has a disability should not have to feel alone, isolated or clueless as to where to start researching or sharing their experiences/feelings.  Children who are in the hospital should have a toy to help reduce the anxiety, stress, and pain of treatments being administered.   Christina is the CEO and Founder of Overcome Birth Defects.  She was born with several congenital disabilities that resulted in her spending numerous hours in doctors offices, hospitals, and outpatient centers.  She decided to pursue a career in Maternal and Child Health/ Community and Family Health due to her experiences with congenital disabilities.   Christina holds a Doctorate of Professional Studies from Albany Medical College's Alden March Bioethics Institute with a focus on Health Policy and Ethics.  Christina also graduated from University of South Florida's College of Public Health with a Master of Public Health Degree in Community and Family Health specializing in Maternal and Child Health.  She also has a Master of Science in Bioethics from Albany Medical College's Alden March Bioethics Institute.   She has dedicated her career to helping mothers and children in need.  Overcome Birth Defects is a 501(c)3  nonprofit organization located in Bradenton,Florida.   Overcome believes empowering those with disabilities is important and strives to connect those with disabilities and their families with resources, referrals and medical providers in the community.   Overcome Birth Defects provides referral services and links to the medical community for those who are disabled. Throughout the year Overcome Birth Defects collect toys so they may be given to hospitalized children during the holidays. Overcome Birth Defects Finding out you are pregnant is an exciting time.  There's so much to be done in a limited amount of time.  What happens though when a diagnosis is made of a disability?  The Teddy Bear Care Program links parents to groups and medical resources to help ease worried minds.