Gastroschisis is a birth defect where a baby's intestines (and sometimes other organs) protrude outside the body through a hole in the abdominal wall, usually next to the belly button, because the muscles didn't fully form.

While in utero, the hole closed in on her intestines, cutting off blood supply to most of her small intestines. She lost the parts of the intestines that are responsible for absorbing nutrients.

She has been in UNC NICU since birth. There are only a few facilities in the country that specialize in “short gut syndrome” that provide rehabilitation/transplants for infants.

As you can imagine, the expenses are piling up even with having insurance. After insurance they still have $30,000+ in bills owed already and still have a long road of hospital stays ahead

The family is currently awaiting approval from the insurance to have their baby transferred to Nebraska to get her the care she needs. If the transfer is approved, the family will have to provide $5,000 up front before she can be transferred. Once she is in Nebraska, she will receive the surgery needed and begin recovery. This is a very chronic, complex issue that the family will have to be educated on to care for little Sophia. Their estimated time in Nebraska will be 4-6 weeks. We want to help this family get their precious baby to Nebraska to receive the care she needs. If you feel moved to contribute to the cost of the transfer, the family will be very appreciative. If you would like to but can’t, they desire your prayers.

Sophia Neathery, born 11/18/25.