On September 4th, Jack and Lexy went to a routine ultrasound for their 20-week anatomy scan. During this visit, they were told that their baby girl looked to have spina bifida. They were told to follow up the next day with UC Maternal and Fetal Medicine specialists for confirmation of the diagnosis. It was confirmed that baby girl, Miller, has spina bifida with hydrocephalus.

Spina bifida is one of the most common, permanently disabling birth defects in America. It occurs when the neural tube, which forms the spinal cord and vertebral column, does not close completely during the first 4 weeks after conception. Each year, about 1,500 pregnancies are affected by SB in the U.S. SB is often called the "snowflake condition" of birth defects because no two people with it are affected the same way.

Jack and Lexy made the decision in that moment to cancel their move to Florida, which was happening within 24 hours, and stay in Cincinnati to be near Children's Hospital for Millie. They had already left their jobs in preparation for the move. The next steps consisted of a lot of research to determine what is needed to give Millie the best chance of improved quality of life. Jack and Lexy immediately knew they wanted to proceed with fetal surgery. This gives her the best opportunity at life. Miller's uncle Patrick found a clinical trial called the CuRe trial, using stem cells within open fetal surgery at UC Davis in Sacramento, CA.

On September 17th, Jack and Lexy flew to Sacramento and met with 8 surgeons and went through a series of tests to determine if Lexy and Millie would be eligible for the surgery. After a long two days, the doctors determined that Millie has SB MMC on her L4 region and below. She also has hydrocephalus (water on the brain) and Chiari malformation 2 (hindbrain herniation). This qualified the Harringtons for open fetal surgery. Doctors are hopeful the surgery will allow Millie the ability to walk, treat the Chiari malformation, and release the hydrocephalus.

On October 5th, their family, including their 3 pups, will start the journey to Sacramento, CA to be the 13th family to participate in the CuRe trial. Lexy will have surgery on October 11th. This surgery requires they reside in Sacramento until Millie is born and Lexy to remain on bed rest.

With tremendous gratitude, I am asking for prayer and financial support for the Harrington family to help them cover costs for Lexy and Millie's surgery, and any potential future surgeries Millie will need. We appreciate any and all support during this challenging time.