Help Adam and Krystal Cordiviola

I am setting up this fundraiser for my brother and his family, Adam and Krystal Cordiviola. They are expecting their 2nd baby girl, Penelope, due January 4th.

 

A month ago they learned that Penelope has spina bifida (Myelomeningocele), a birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don’t form properly. This defect is in the lumbar region of her spine, and most likely will impact her ability to move from the waist down. Along with the spina bifida diagnosis, Penelope has a Chiari II Malformation. This is where the lower portion of her brain is going down below the base of her skull, and into the upper spinal canal. This is mostly found in children with spina bifida. Up to 80% of children with this diagnosis will require a brain shunt within their first year of life.

 

Krystal and Penelope will undergo a fetal surgery on September 22nd at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. They are hopeful this surgery will preserve some mobility, and possibly reverse the Chiari II Malformation which greatly decreases the need for a lifelong shunt in her brain.

 

This is a high risk surgery for both Krystal and their baby girl, and Krystal will be on bed rest until delivery. They will be at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for the surgery, weekly appointments until delivery, and NICU care. Therefore, they will have to relocate to Cincinnati (2.5 hours away from their home) for the duration of Krystal’s pregnancy and longer.

 

We appreciate everyone who has reached out to offer their support, love and care for Adam and Krystal. Please continue to pray for their strength, healing and peace during this long journey with many unknowns and pray for miracles in Penelope’s surgery!

 

All of the money raised with this fundraiser will be used to pay for their long term rental in Cincinnati, medical expenses, and any unforeseen costs ahead. Anything helps, even just sharing this fundraiser is much appreciated.

 

 

Thank you so much for your thoughts and generosity,

 

Amy

 

 

 

Video about the surgery: click here

 

 

More information about spina bifida: click here