Help the Eder-Besanko Family with their Spina Bifida Journey

Our daughter, Lauren, is expecting a baby boy named Maxwell in October. We can’t wait to meet him with open arms and lots of love!

Lauren has recently gone through multiple medical tests and imaging, including a fetal MRI. It is determined that Maxwell has a rare condition known as Spina Bifida Myleomeningocele, which occurs when the neural tube (on the sacrum part of the spine) doesn’t close properly during the very early part of fetal development. This condition can cause a whole host of problems, including paralysis, seizure disorders, and organ dysfunction.

As daunting as this diagnosis is, the opening on Maxwell’s spine is low, specifically on his sacrum, which gives him a better prognosis compared to other children born with this condition higher up on the spine. Although there are no guarantees, he is expected to walk with the assistance of ankle braces. This condition will also impair some use of lower body organs, though regular treatment will help him with this as he grows.

The medical plan is to conduct a c-section on Lauren, to prevent further complications for the baby. This will occur on Oct. 7th, at Beth Israel in Boston, and then baby Maxwell will take an ambulance ride to Boston Children’s Hospital for surgical repair on the opening at his sacrum. Surgery will occur within the first 48 hours of his birth to minimize risk of infection. He will immediately be put onto intravenous antibiotics.

The length of Maxwell’s hospital stay will depend on whether or not he needs neurosurgery due to hydrocephalus, a common affliction for babies born with SB. This is caused by the cerebellum being pulled into the spinal column, preventing drainage of spinal fluid from the brain. At Boston Children’s they have a Harvard trained neurosurgeon who performs a procedure on the ventricles on the brain that will reduce Max’s likelihood of ever needing a shunt by 75%. Maxwell will receive excellent care with Boston Children’s Hospital, which has one of the best Spina Bifida clinics in the country! He will be in good hands!

The purpose of this GoFundMe is to help financially support Lauren, her husband John, and daughter Stella. Lauren and John will need to take time off from their jobs in order to be with Maxwell in Boston and then at home for his after-care needs this winter, resulting in months of decreased income. Although they are in the process of applying for financial help from foundations connected to Boston Children’s Hospital, financial aid doesn’t cover the months of lost wages nor the costs associated with a several-week stay away from home. Lauren and John are expected to resume their full time jobs after the holidays.

Lauren, John, and Stella are often ones to help and give to others whenever they can. We would greatly appreciate any support they can receive during this time of need. We will keep everyone updated on Maxwell’s arrival and progress!

Thank you all,

Carol and Larry Besanko

(Max’s grandparents)