Griffin Hayes Mehlhaff, was born at Martha Jefferson hospital and transferred to the UVA NICU where he was diagnosed with a rare spine condition called Lipomyelomeningocele. Griffin will be followed by Neurology, Urology, and the Myelo developmental pediatric clinic at UVA.

His name is miraculously significant with his medical diagnosis. God is in the midst, in the little and big details.

Griffin: strong in faith

Hayes: hedged area; enclosure (there is a spectrum of prognosis for his condition because myelomeningoceles are either open or closed. Griffin has a closed Lipomyelomeningocele: significance of the meaning enclosure for his middle name)

The griffin became for [Christians] a rich symbol of the two natures of Christ Himself: the eagle, which is lord of the sky, reminds us of the divine nature, while the lion, which is lord of the earth (the 'king of beasts'), reminds us of the human nature.

Jeff played football in high school and college, and his team mascots were the Louisa Lions and the Bridgewater Eagles.

Griffin will be undergoing a laminectomy to untether his spinal cord on Tuesday, May 13, at UVA.

Words could never express our gratitude for the love and generosity of the friends and family surrounding our family in prayer and support during this season of transition with unanticipated medical expenses for our family.