Help Baby Stella
Donation protected
Wil and Ashley are excited to welcome the newest member of their family, Stella, due early May! At a routine ultrasound, they learned Stella has a neural tube defect called spina bifida, meaning her spinal cord didn’t close early on in pregnancy. The incomplete closure of the spinal cord can cause mobility difficulties and a build-up of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, which may require a shunt. Typically, babies with spina bifida have their spine closed within the first few days of life. However, Ashley learned that she and Stella were candidates for fetal surgery to close her spine in utero at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, and on January 19th they underwent this surgery. While fetal surgery is expected to result in benefits for Stella, such as a decreased need for a shunt and an increased likelihood she would walk, there are also several risks. Because of this, Ashley will need to remain in Cincinnati on modified bed rest, likely for the remainder of her pregnancy, so her doctors can closely monitor her and Stella for any complications. In the meantime, Wil will be working in Fishers, and he and Stella's big brother Silas will visit Ashley on the weekends. Funds raised will be applied to medical bills, living expenses while away from home, and travel expenses.
For more information on spina bifida, visit these websites.
Organizer and beneficiary
Kimberly Sweet
Organizer
Noblesville, IN
Wil Kinsey
Beneficiary