Hi my name is Carly, I am a close friend to the Niebla family. Myself and their family would like to reach out to help them in a trying time. I am going to share a part of their life that has been very emotional and all so sudden. Josh and Amy have 2 beautiful boys, they were so excited when they heard the news their family would be complete with the addition of a baby girl.

During Amy’s pregnancy she received news that their baby girl has a condition called Myelomeningocele also known as Spina Bifida. Spina Bifida occurs when the babies spine doesn’t completely close, leaving a sac or opening in the babies spine. This exposes and breaks down nerves that give the baby sensation in the legs, gives sensation to the bladder and bowel. The opening can also cause an increase in pressure to the babies ventricles in her brain. It is considered to affect each person differently depending on where the opening is in the spine. Most kids born with Spina Bifida will have a struggle with mobility. Some walk, some have a wheelchair, and some have braces on their legs. Either way they will go through many doctors appointments, difficult times, but also many victories.

While that news was heart breaking to hear, they have leaned on God and prayer for their baby girl. They remained strong and had to make a quick decision on doing a fetoscopic surgery in hopes to give their baby girl a better quality of life. It has been found that the earlier they close the opening in the babies back, the better outcome because their nerves are then protected from the amniotic fluid exposure while in the womb.

Amy had her fetoscopic surgery done at around 26 weeks and had to remain on very strict bed rest to avoid preterm labor. At about 29 weeks pregnant Amy started having contractions and had to be hospitalized. While they worked hard to stop her labor, on April 20th Charlotte Rose decided to make her arrival at exactly 30 weeks.

Charlotte is currently in the NICU growing and getting stronger everyday. Amy has been driving back and fourth everyday to see her baby girl while caring for their 2 boys with the help of family.

As a one income family the Niebla’s could use help to be with their baby girl and for all the medical bills they are receiving. Josh is trying to be with his family the best he can while also needing to work to support them. Any donation can help and is so greatly appreciated.