History

The Walter E. Boehm Birth Defects Center is dedicated to providing a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary medical program for children born with congenital birth defects of the central nervous system, including spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

The Center was founded by its namesake in October of 1963 as a way of addressing the medical, financial and psychosocial needs of these children and their families. Dr. Boehm, a leading neurosurgeon, had witnessed firsthand the hardship and struggle these children and their families faced and committed himself, first and foremost, to develop an organized approach to caring for them.

Dr. Boehm also recognized the enormous medical cost of caring for these children, so he tried to create a Center that would not only provide the necessary medical care, but also give financial respite and emotional support to their families.