Baby Gilmore's Spina Bifida Story
Donation protected
Jack and Noelle are very special to me and I wanted to take a moment to share with you a little bit about the struggle they are facing right now.
In the past 10 years they’ve had two wonderful children, Caleb and Willow. About a year after Willow was born, Noelle became pregnant again, and they were thrilled. But just short of 3 months in, they lost that baby for unknown reasons. That obviously deeply affected them and it took some time before they could think about trying again.
They went through fertility testing, adjusted diets, kept active, and did everything possible to increase their chances of conceiving again. After careful consideration, and two unsuccessful IUI sessions, they chose to just continue trying on their own. Whatever would be would be.
Finally, in November of this past year, they were pregnant again, due in August! Noelle had been dedicating her time as a certified birth doula and prenatal yoga teacher, and being in that community helped her realize she really would love a homebirth for their third child. So, she and Jack had been making plans, working with a homebirth midwife, and getting excited. Everything was going great.
Fast forward to March 27th, the day of their 20-week ultrasound. Jack and Noelle decided to bring their two children with them to include them in the sneak peek. The next day, Noelle received a call you never want as a parent, something was wrong. The midwife told them that their baby had Spina Bifida with Hydrocephalus. Their hearts sank, and they’ve both felt a wave of emotions from that day on.
Over the next few weeks, they started the process of transferring their care, doing research, and meeting with many new faces. They were told by one of the local specialists that they should consider traveling to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) to explore fetal surgery. The country’s leading doctors in this type of condition were there and it may be worth exploring the option. So, Jack and Noelle decided to drive down with open minds and hearts. After a whole day of testing, they learned their baby did not qualify for the fetal surgery.
So Jack and Noelle transferred their care to Brigham and Women’s Hospital along with Boston Children’s Hospital. They had many discussions, asked many questions, and advocated to bring their baby into the world in the gentlest way they could imagine, a natural birth.
Within 72 hours of birth, their baby will undergo surgery to correct the opening in the spine. They will not be able to hold their new baby for weeks as the spine heals. As they mentally and emotionally prepare for this birth, baby, and NICU stay, I am asking for your support on their behalf.
Jack and Noelle are two of the kindest people you’ll ever meet. They are hardworking, both work full-time jobs with extra part-time work on the side. For months, Jack and Noelle have kept their struggle private as they traveled through uncertain waters. Many people have asked them how they could help as they have learned what they are going through.
With all the future testing, travel, and time spent in Boston, we know that this will not only be emotionally taxing, but also financially taxing. I humbly request that you consider helping them financially in whatever way you can. This will assist them in covering not only their day to day expenses, but also to cover the long-term costs of testing, and possible surgeries for the future.
If you are unable to assist in this way, they would gratefully accept any prayers, meals, childcare, or simply sharing their story with others.
Thank you so much!
In the past 10 years they’ve had two wonderful children, Caleb and Willow. About a year after Willow was born, Noelle became pregnant again, and they were thrilled. But just short of 3 months in, they lost that baby for unknown reasons. That obviously deeply affected them and it took some time before they could think about trying again.
They went through fertility testing, adjusted diets, kept active, and did everything possible to increase their chances of conceiving again. After careful consideration, and two unsuccessful IUI sessions, they chose to just continue trying on their own. Whatever would be would be.
Finally, in November of this past year, they were pregnant again, due in August! Noelle had been dedicating her time as a certified birth doula and prenatal yoga teacher, and being in that community helped her realize she really would love a homebirth for their third child. So, she and Jack had been making plans, working with a homebirth midwife, and getting excited. Everything was going great.
Fast forward to March 27th, the day of their 20-week ultrasound. Jack and Noelle decided to bring their two children with them to include them in the sneak peek. The next day, Noelle received a call you never want as a parent, something was wrong. The midwife told them that their baby had Spina Bifida with Hydrocephalus. Their hearts sank, and they’ve both felt a wave of emotions from that day on.
Over the next few weeks, they started the process of transferring their care, doing research, and meeting with many new faces. They were told by one of the local specialists that they should consider traveling to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) to explore fetal surgery. The country’s leading doctors in this type of condition were there and it may be worth exploring the option. So, Jack and Noelle decided to drive down with open minds and hearts. After a whole day of testing, they learned their baby did not qualify for the fetal surgery.
So Jack and Noelle transferred their care to Brigham and Women’s Hospital along with Boston Children’s Hospital. They had many discussions, asked many questions, and advocated to bring their baby into the world in the gentlest way they could imagine, a natural birth.
Within 72 hours of birth, their baby will undergo surgery to correct the opening in the spine. They will not be able to hold their new baby for weeks as the spine heals. As they mentally and emotionally prepare for this birth, baby, and NICU stay, I am asking for your support on their behalf.
Jack and Noelle are two of the kindest people you’ll ever meet. They are hardworking, both work full-time jobs with extra part-time work on the side. For months, Jack and Noelle have kept their struggle private as they traveled through uncertain waters. Many people have asked them how they could help as they have learned what they are going through.
With all the future testing, travel, and time spent in Boston, we know that this will not only be emotionally taxing, but also financially taxing. I humbly request that you consider helping them financially in whatever way you can. This will assist them in covering not only their day to day expenses, but also to cover the long-term costs of testing, and possible surgeries for the future.
If you are unable to assist in this way, they would gratefully accept any prayers, meals, childcare, or simply sharing their story with others.
Thank you so much!
Organizer and beneficiary
Emily Butzer
Organizer
Exeter, NH
Noelle Gilmore
Beneficiary