Katelyn Roberts Medical Leave Fund

Katelyn is our office's most hard-working pediatric dental assistants. She has been woking here for 2 years and always goes the extra mile to help out all of the families we care for here. She is always willing to come in early, work through lunch and stay late to help provide care to our many pediatric patients in need. 
In December of 2017 Katelyn and her husband (Josh) found out they were pregnant and expecting a boy in July. We were all very happy for Katelyn and her husband despite how much she would be missed at work. Shortly after finding out they were expecting, they received some very sad news concerning their baby's health at a routine checkup visit with their doctor. The specifics are explained below:

At Katelyn's 20 week ultrasound, her and her husband Josh received the devastating news that baby Teagen had Spina Bifida. The diagnosis is myeloschisis, a severe form of myelomeningocele. He also has a Chiari II malformation which is causing hydrocephalus. The myelomeningocele is an opening on his lower back that exposes the spinal cord and nerves to the amniotic fluid. The opening also causes the Chiari II which means the spinal cord is pulling the brain down at the back of the skull. This blocks the drainage of the fluid in the ventricals in the brain. Katelyn was referred to Children's Hermann Memorial Hospital in Houston. After extensive tests and meeting with numerous doctors, surgeons, and specialists over 3 days, she was informed that mom and baby are great candidates for in-utero surgery.  Babies with Spina Bifida used to only have the option of having a closure surgery after they were born and live with the effects of the Spina Bifida. In 2003 they started a trial where they did the surgery in utero before 25 weeks to repair the opening. They have found that by repairing the defect early they can prevent further damage to the nerves. The team of doctors have had amazing success in reducing the hydrocephalus and the damage to the nerves by closing the area early. 

Katelyn and her husband have decided to go through with the surgery and it is scheduled for April 10th. Katelyn will be in the hospital for approximately 5 days. Following that time she will have to be on bed rest for the duration of the pregnancy. After discharge from the hospital, Katelyn will need to be within 30 minutes of the hospital for two weeks, in case of any complications. Even though they live in Friendswood, they are not close enough timewise and will try stay at the Holcombe Ronald McDonald House. Delivery will be scheduled for week 37.

My team and I are trying to raise money to help support Katelyn and her husband with their medical bills and loss of income due to missing work during this very difficult time. Any donation you could make will surely make a difference and would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all so much!

Dr. Jack McAninch DMD & Team @ My Kids Dentist Pearland, TX