Ashley Rose Foundation

The Ashley Rose foundation was formed in 1996 by ray & linda pitek in memory of their daughter Ashley who was lost due to complications relating to spina bifida. The threefold purpose of the foundation is 1)to increase the public's awareness of spina bifida and the benefit of taken folic acid, 2)provide support to children having spina bifida as well as to their families, and 3)fund research toward the prevention of spina bifida. Regarding the first two objectives, the initial focus of the foundation was to sponsor various activities which resulted in providing financial support to children and their families affected by spina bifida. The foundation also collaborated with the tri-state spina bifida assn in establishing the telecommunity program. The foundation believes that the information and support that is provided to families and individuals with spina bifida through this program cannot be found anywhere else in the region. In addition, the telegroup sessions provide opportunities