In 2015, Chris Green and I decided to challenge ourselves with a long ride. One that was bigger than MS150. One that would challenge us in new ways. A ride that would help me heal, give me clarity and perspective as I sorted through the feelings of my world changing when Ashtyn passed. A ride that would let me support a family friend and her beautiful daughter Aubrie, who has SB. To support a community that was so much like mine had been. Doctors, insurance, appointments, PT, OT, medicines and a million other things that get thrown at you when you are a parent of a special one.
Little did I know at that time how impactful this ride would be on me. There were firsts on the bike…I did my 1st century, my 1st 150 mile day, my fist back to back century but most importantly I had my first conversation with Casey. Suzannah’s Dad who over the course of 250 miles, would become a friend and over the years like family. I don’t know how many miles Casey and I rode on the front of the C group that 1st year but it was a lot. Just riding and talking, staring down the road, pondering life as I talked about Ashtyn and Aubrie. Such a therapeutic couple days. And then we hit the finish. I lost it as soon as I got my medal. So many tears, so much emotion. I made it. I pedaled my bike over 250 miles in two days but those kids did me in. Rocked me to the core.
There have been some distinct moments in my life that have impacted me in a major way and this was one of them. I knew I would do this ride again. And I would bring friends and I would raise money. And for the 11th time, I bring friends, and we raise money for those families impacted by Spina Bifida. I hope that through our friendship in real life we can raise $10,000 to support the SB community. Our goal is to build awareness, support families through SB Texas, give college scholarships, buy necessary medical equipment, create memories for the SB families by riding bikes in honor of them. We can't do any of this without sponsors and donors, so please consider a donation to help us live out our mission of removing barriers for those impacted by spina bifida.
SB250
On June 12th and 13th, 2026, the Suzannah Smiles Foundation will be hosting its 16th annual road cycling event, the Spina Bifida 250 (SB250). This event is a 250-mile bicycle ride from Edinburg to San Antonio in the heat of the Texas summer.
The SB250 continues to grow as a premier cycling event in Texas. In the last 15 years, the SB250 has raised over $650,000 to help Texas children and families impacted by spina bifida. All proceeds of the event are donated directly to families impacted by spina bifida through scholarships and grants as well as to Spina Bifida Texas (SBTX). SBTX is often the first resource for families after a spina bifida diagnosis. The SB250 generates a sizable portion of SBTX’s operational capital for the year. With your help, the 15th edition of the SB250 will allow us to serve more families across Texas.
About Suzannah Smiles: Suzannah Smiles’ mission is to spread awareness of spina bifida and to raise funds to support programs that provide services for those affected, so that we can empower them to live a barrier-free life and reach their fullest potential.
About spina bifida: It is estimated that spina bifida affects two out of every 1,000 births in Texas, twice the national average. Spina bifida is a birth defect that occurs when the lower end of the spinal cord does not form properly in the developing baby. Paralysis, loss of bowel and/or bladder control, brain damage and learning disabilities are among the many issues associated with this complex disability. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), if every woman of childbearing age (15-44) would take a daily vitamin containing 400mcg of folic acid, the incidences of spina bifida would be reduced by 70%.
About the SB250 Ride: The SB250 bicycle ride starts in Edinburg, TX on June 12th and ends in San Antonio, TX on June 13th. Participants will be cycling up to 260 miles over two days through the grueling South Texas heat to raise funds through sponsorships and donations. All profits will go directly to families impacted by spina bifida and to Spina Bifida Texas. Information can be found at: https://www.suzannahsmiles.org/ or by contacting Tommy Smith, Executive Director of Suzannah Smiles at (281) 408-5858, or [email protected].
Our goal for 2026 is to raise $150,000.00. Please consider supporting our effort to assist Texas families living with spina bifida by sponsoring, volunteering, and/or participating in the event.
On June 12th and 13th, 2026, the Suzannah Smiles Foundation will be hosting its 16th annual road cycling event, the Spina Bifida 250 (SB250). This event is a 250-mile bicycle ride from Edinburg to San Antonio in the heat of the Texas summer.
The SB250 continues to grow as a premier cycling event in Texas. In the last 15 years, the SB250 has raised over $650,000 to help Texas children and families impacted by spina bifida. All proceeds of the event are donated directly to families impacted by spina bifida through scholarships and grants as well as to Spina Bifida Texas (SBTX). SBTX is often the first resource for families after a spina bifida diagnosis. The SB250 generates a sizable portion of SBTX’s operational capital for the year. With your help, the 15th edition of the SB250 will allow us to serve more families across Texas.
About Suzannah Smiles: Suzannah Smiles’ mission is to spread awareness of spina bifida and to raise funds to support programs that provide services for those affected, so that we can empower them to live a barrier-free life and reach their fullest potential.
About spina bifida: It is estimated that spina bifida affects two out of every 1,000 births in Texas, twice the national average. Spina bifida is a birth defect that occurs when the lower end of the spinal cord does not form properly in the developing baby. Paralysis, loss of bowel and/or bladder control, brain damage and learning disabilities are among the many issues associated with this complex disability. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), if every woman of childbearing age (15-44) would take a daily vitamin containing 400mcg of folic acid, the incidences of spina bifida would be reduced by 70%.
About the SB250 Ride: The SB250 bicycle ride starts in Edinburg, TX on June 12th and ends in San Antonio, TX on June 13th. Participants will be cycling up to 260 miles over two days through the grueling South Texas heat to raise funds through sponsorships and donations. All profits will go directly to families impacted by spina bifida and to Spina Bifida Texas. Information can be found at: https://www.suzannahsmiles.org/ or by contacting Tommy Smith, Executive Director of Suzannah Smiles at (281) 408-5858, or [email protected].
Our goal for 2026 is to raise $150,000.00. Please consider supporting our effort to assist Texas families living with spina bifida by sponsoring, volunteering, and/or participating in the event.