Baby Girl Bladergroen Strong

Katie and Kyle Bladergroen are expecting their first baby this fall. During a recent appointment and after extensive testing, the Bladergroen’s baby girl was diagnosed with open spina bifida on June 1, 2021.

Katie will undergo maternal-fetal surgery at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia on June 30, 2021. The maternal-fetal surgery is not reparative in nature and does not “cure” spina bifida, but the hope would be that it closes the opening (L4 myeloschesis) and sets their baby girl up for the best possible start to life.

Katie and Kyle will become short-term residents of Philadelphia from now until after baby girl Bladergroen is born. This means relocating from their home in Savannah, GA to Philadelphia, PA. This is to ensure Katie and baby get the care they need for the duration of the pregnancy, delivery, and NICU stay.

During this time we are asking for prayers over this sweet family, which have already proven to take care of their journey so far. As Katie and Kyle’s friends and family, we are eager to help them as they navigate the challenges ahead.

Please help ease the financial challenges the Bladergroens will be facing in the coming months. We hope this fundraiser will provide financial relief toward the cost of medical bills, transportation and travel, food, and living expenses in Philadelphia for 4 months or more.