Lydia Elizabeth Ann Spina Bifida
Sean and Leah Howard married in July of 2014. After three years of dealing with infertility (multiple rounds of fertility meds, and 3 failed IUIs), in September of 2017, Leah was finally able to share with Sean that they were expecting a baby!
Then, at 18 weeks on December 27th, 2017, after blood testing and a follow-up ultra-sound, their little miracle was diagnosed with Myelomeningocele, the most severe form of Spina Bifida (open spine). Having grown up with a brother who was also born with Spina Bifida, Leah knew the challenges ahead of them, and both she and Sean were devastated.
After two weeks of waiting and worrying, and two long days of evaluation and consultation at Mayo Clinic, Sean and Leah learned that fetal surgery to repair the baby's open spine would give her the best chance at a higher quality of life. On their way home from Mayo, the two resolved on their decision and named their beloved daughter Lydia Elizabeth Ann Howard.
Fetal surgery will take place at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN on February 6th, 2018 (this will be known as Lydia's "Butt Day" as her back & rear will be "born" in order to repair the spine, and then she'll be tucked back in for another few months). Leah will stay in Rochester until Lydia's birth by C-section, hopefully in late April or Early May.
The money we raise will go to Leah and Sean for hotel costs, travel costs, medical expenses and other expenses. Please consider helping this wonderful, loving family.
Then, at 18 weeks on December 27th, 2017, after blood testing and a follow-up ultra-sound, their little miracle was diagnosed with Myelomeningocele, the most severe form of Spina Bifida (open spine). Having grown up with a brother who was also born with Spina Bifida, Leah knew the challenges ahead of them, and both she and Sean were devastated.
After two weeks of waiting and worrying, and two long days of evaluation and consultation at Mayo Clinic, Sean and Leah learned that fetal surgery to repair the baby's open spine would give her the best chance at a higher quality of life. On their way home from Mayo, the two resolved on their decision and named their beloved daughter Lydia Elizabeth Ann Howard.
Fetal surgery will take place at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN on February 6th, 2018 (this will be known as Lydia's "Butt Day" as her back & rear will be "born" in order to repair the spine, and then she'll be tucked back in for another few months). Leah will stay in Rochester until Lydia's birth by C-section, hopefully in late April or Early May.
The money we raise will go to Leah and Sean for hotel costs, travel costs, medical expenses and other expenses. Please consider helping this wonderful, loving family.
