Ellis Calderon Medical Fund

When Luis and Mercedes discovered they were expecting, they couldn’t wait to add a new member, Ellis, to the family. Unfortunately, after an ultrasound at week 22, something was revealed that they didn’t expect would happen again- another one of their children was diagnosed with Spina Bifida, as well as Hydrocephalus, and Arnold Chiara Malformation. Their oldest daughter, Bela, was diagnosed with Spina Bifida 9 years ago. In spite of her condition, Bela is a joy to her parents and all who know her. However, Luis and Mercedes know firsthand the challenges Ellis would face with Spina Bifida so their initial reaction was one of devastation. Thankfully God gave them a team of physicians at MUSC who informed them about a Fetoscopic Surgery which is performed at the Texas Children’s Fetal Center in Houston, Texas. This Fetoscopic surgery has only been performed 20+ times and is a minimally invasive, two-port procedure to repair spina bifida in-utero. It has been demonstrated that a fetal surgical repair leads to lower rates of hydrocephalus, decreases the need for a cerebrospinal fluid shunt, and improves leg function compared to standard after-birth repair of this condition. On average, the group treated before birth had better outcomes. As part of the treatment, Mercedes will be required to remain in Texas, away from her children and husband, for the rest of her term until Ellis is born. While many of the medical expenses will be covered for this procedure, other expenses will not. Mercedes will have housing, transportation and meal expenses as well as incidental costs during the next four months. She is also required to have an adult with her the entire stay so family and friends will have to travel out to Texas to stay with her. First and foremost please pray for Mercedes and Ellis as they go through the surgery and the remaining months of pregnancy. Secondly, if you are able to contribute to the Calderon’s expenses, please do so on this site. The family is grateful for your prayers and financial support. God bless.