ATENTION! LONG READ, BUT VERY IMPORTANT!

Let us introduce our oldest son, Jacob Moats. Jacob is currently 9 years old. Jacob was born prematurely due to pre-eclampsia and spent some time in the NICU.

When Jacob was a baby, he tended to favor leaning to one side more than the other. Even with constant repositioning, he still leaned to the one side. We discussed our concerns with his pediatrician, who referred him to a Pediatric Orthopedic Specialist at WVU Medicine. There he was seen by Dr. John P. Lubicky. Dr. Lubicky ordered an MRI to get a better look at things. After the MRI, we met and discussed those results with Dr. Lubicky. Who handed us a diagnosis of Scoliosis, at a very small and young 6 months of age. Dr. Lubicky started treating Jacob's scoliosis as soon as he was big enough to begin proper treatment.

From age 1 to present, Jacob has undergone several medical and surgical procedures to help prevent worsening and correct the curvature of his spine. From age 1 to around age 2 and a half. Jacob went through 4 castings. From there, Jacob wore a brace for a year. Once Jacob was no longer comfortable in his brace. Dr. Lubicky began surgically operating on Jacob's spine. Where a Magec Rod was placed. From a little over age 3, Jacob has had 6 Magec Rod surgeries. Things seemed to be improving nicely. Along with the help of Birth to Three and Physical therapy services. However, the reason for this post is the complete opposite. Due to a recent and extremely unfortunate series of events. All progress has been lost.

After a visit to WVU Medicine Children's Hospital, ER. Jacob was hospitalized in February 2025, with severe lower back pain, fever, and stomach discomfort. After 3 sets of imaging and blood work done. It was determined that Jacob had a a bowel impaction (also caused by not being aligned properly due to Scoliosis) and a severe abscess in his lower back, or so we thought. After admission, Jacob was seen by Dr. Hortsmann. Dr. Hortsmann is Dr. Lubicky's replacement since his retirement back in December 2024. After reviewing everything. Jacob had to have 2 surgeries. The first was for irrigation and debriding of the spine and to remove all infected hardware. When Dr. Hortsmann was removing the hardware. Her and her team found that the infection had spread clear up Jacob's back. All hardware needed to be removed. Jacob then had a wound vac on for a day. Then went back in for an additional irrigation and debriding of the spine procedure, incisions were closed, and wound vac and JP drain was placed. And the healing process began. After 5 days, the wound vac was removed. Jacob was discharged and a few weeks later, the JP drain was removed by way of a short surgical procedure. When Jacob was discharged, he still required round the clock care. He needed IV antibiotics and wound care. Where he received excellent HomeHealth care services. We cannot say enough good things about those who we had encountered during that time. After Jacob completed 6 weeks of IV antibiotics, he required 3 weeks of oral antibiotics, then another few weeks of nasal antibiotics to help decolonize the infection and prevent further development. Jacob has since been doing well. However, the condition of his spine has not.

Dr. Hortsmann informed us at Jacob's most recent appointment that he will once again require hospitalization. He will be admitted September 5th and placed into a Halo to help with traction and loosening of the spine. Once loosened up enough. Jacob will need to undergo 2 or 3 more surgical procedures during this hospitalization to correct his spine. Dr. Hortsmann plans to do a Definitive Fusion. The final surgery during this stay is estimated for October 3rd. We have been informed that this stay will last a month or longer. Which leaves us with several other obstacles to conquer.

We will need help with ensuring that I myself (and the baby when I have him with me) are fed. We will also need to cover gas, toiletries and other goods needed during our stay. We will need to make sure our bills are covered due to missed work when Jacob's father is unable to make it in. And making sure he has what he and Ethan need while at home or during travel back and forth from the hospital. Once discharged, we will need to make sure we have surgical dressings and other first-aid supplies and medications for Jacob to ensure proper healing and recovery. Jacob will likely need Physical therapy as well.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story.

Written by Jacob's mom.

Heather Parker