This fundraiser is to support Juanita and Carl Fortna and their unborn son, Rowan. During Juanita’s anatomy ultrasound at 21 weeks gestation, doctors noticed a concerning cyst on Rowan’s spine. After multiple appointments and ultrasounds, including travels to CHOP in Philadelphia, it was confirmed that baby Rowan has MMC, a severe form of spina bifida near L4/L5.

Juanita and Baby Rowan underwent surgery on Friday, October 4, 2024 to repair the exposure. This was done at 25 weeks gestation. There are many benefits to Juanita having prenatal surgery, and the success percentages are high. The spinal surgery is estimated to improve Rowan’s motor skills, lower the risk of infection, reduce pressure on his brain (including reducing the need for a brain shunt after birth), improve bladder/bowel control, and more.

Juanita was approved for prenatal surgery in September, and will be on bed rest for the remainder of the pregnancy (9-12 weeks), with 24/7 care given by Carl.

Additionally, they needed to relocate to the Philadelphia area for the surgery and the 9-12 week recovery period. Carl and Juanita had just moved to Maryland in January where Carl began a MS in Mechanical Engineering degree. He will be taking a leave of absence to stay with Juanita and the baby.

To keep the family together during this long recovery, Carl and Juanita have been approved to stay at the Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia. It is ideally located 1 mile from CHOP, as it is crucial for Juanita and Rowan to be monitored weekly until delivery.

This fundraiser is to support Juanita, Carl and baby Rowan in multiple ways:

- provide assistance with medical bills (prenatal surgery, hospitalization, weekly OB appointments post-op, cesarean delivery in December, and Rowan in the NICU for 1-2 weeks upon birth),

- provide assistance with short-term housing / relocation, and

- help cover living expenses as Carl was the primary caretaker of his family.

Please keep Juanita, Carl, and baby Rowan in your prayers and give thanks to God for the abilities He's given to those working in the medical field. And thank you for helping this beautiful little family during a very difficult time.