Sophie Tei Naaki Lee Kodjoe was born with spina bifida, a disorder that interferes with the proper growth of the spine and spinal cord. In newborns and toddlers, this disorder can cause issues with the legs, bladder, and bowel.
Boris and Nicole formed the Sophie’s Voice Foundation in reaction to their daughter’s diagnosis to raise awareness about spina bifida and other birth disorders.
Sophie Tei Naaki Kodjoe and her family.
The foundation’s focus shifted throughout time to help a variety of causes and challenges. The name of the foundation was changed to the Kodjoe Family Foundation in 2019, to reflect a larger aim beyond spina bifida and Sophie’s desire not to be identified exclusively by her condition.
Boris and Nicole have been open about their daughter’s condition and have used their position to push for spina bifida awareness and research.
