Champlain Valley Union (CVU) High School students are running on a high this season after the school’s basketball team clinched its first ever state championship win. The CVU RedHawks beat the Rice Green Knights by four points – and many of them credit the support of one of the team’s managers, Corey Wemple. According to Jack Main of My NBC 5, Corey’s life has always revolved around basketball. He loves to talk about his favorite players, strategize the game ahead, and watch everything basketball-related that he can. Because he was born with spina bifida, it’s difficult for Corey to play. Acting as a team manager, alongside coach Michael Osborne, has helped Corey to stay entwined in the game – even while on the sidelines.
Coach Osborne has shared that Corey and his attitude inspire the team each and every day. With Corey on the sidelines, the team soared to new heights; prior to winning the state championship, the team had a 17-1 record in the regular season. On Senior Night, Corey also got to participate in a special experience. He took the court (clad in a #1 jersey) and scored against South Burlington High School. Through this, he hopes to remind others that they can achieve their goals and whatever they put their mind to.
Although Corey is heading to college to major in Biology at the University of Connecticut, his goal of inspiring and motivating others remains. Driven by his own experiences as a patient, Corey hopes to become a neurosurgeon. This would not only help him treat patients but would provide a level of comfort and support for people going through tough times.
What is Spina Bifida?
Spina bifida translates to “cleft spine.” This rare neural tube defect (NTD) occurs when the neural tube (cells that develop into the brain and spinal cord) fails to close properly during embryonic development. While the exact cause is unknown, doctors believe a blend of environmental factors and heredity play a role; insufficient folic acid may also catalyze this condition. Regardless, the spinal vertebrae fail to close around developing nerves. As a result,the spinal cord may protrude through an opening, causing permanent nerve damage. There are four main subtypes of spina bifida: spina bifida occulta, closed neural tube defects, meningocele, and myelomeningocele. Symptoms and severity of spina bifida vary greatly from person to person. Potential characteristics relating to spina bifida may include:
- Difficulty walking
- Foot drop
- A fluid-filled sac that protrudes from the spinal canal
- Lower limb paralysis
- Back pain
- A dimple or tuft of hair over the affected area
- Intellectual disability
- Muscle weakness
- Impaired bladder control
- Hydrocephalus (excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain)
- Seizures
