Hi everyone. My name is Miranda, and I’m creating this GoFundMe for my sister-in-law Sarah, her fiancé Alex, their 6-year-old son Casey, and their soon-to-arrive baby girl, Grace Winter Fossum.

During Sarah’s pregnancy, they learned that baby Gracie has spina bifida myelomeningocele, a serious condition that affects the spine and spinal cord. This means that shortly after she’s born, Gracie will need to undergo multiple surgeries within her first few days of life, including one to close the opening in her spine.

Sarah and Alex will be traveling out of town for Gracie’s delivery so she can be cared for by a specialized medical team. The coming weeks and months will involve time away from home, hospital stays, and many unknowns — all while they do their best to keep life feeling as normal and comforting as possible for Casey.

Anyone who knows Sarah and Alex knows how strong, hardworking, and devoted they are to their family. They’ve faced this diagnosis with incredible courage and love, and they’re doing everything they can to give Gracie the best possible start in life.

Funds raised will go toward:

• Travel and lodging expenses during Gracie’s delivery and hospital care

• Medical costs not covered by insurance

• Meals and other necessities while they’re away

• Support for Casey while his parents are focused on Gracie’s care

Every donation, share, and prayer helps lift some of the burden off their shoulders as they prepare for what’s ahead. Your support means more than words can express, and it allows Sarah and Alex to focus fully on Gracie and their family during this difficult but hopeful time.

Thank you all so much for your kindness, generosity, and love.

— Miranda

What Is Spina Bifida?

• Spina bifida is a neural tube defect that happens very early in pregnancy, when the baby’s spine and spinal cord don’t form properly.

• It can affect the spinal cord, nerves, and surrounding tissues, leading to lifelong physical challenges.

• There are different types of spina bifida, but myelomeningocele is the most severe form.

• In myelomeningocele, a portion of the spinal cord and nerves develop outside the body, causing potential nerve damage.

• Babies born with this condition typically need surgery within the first few days of life to close the opening in the spine and help prevent infection or further injury.

• Depending on the level of the defect, it can cause leg weakness or paralysis, bladder and bowel challenges, and sometimes hydrocephalus (fluid buildup on the brain) that requires a shunt.

• With early surgery, therapy, and medical care, many children with spina bifida go on to live full and happy lives.

What Children with Spina Bifida Often Need

Children born with spina bifida, especially the myelomeningocele type, often need a variety of medical supports, equipment, and therapies as they grow. These can include:

• AFOs (ankle-foot orthotics) – braces that help with stability, walking, and muscle support

• Pediatric or toddler wheelchairs – for mobility and independence

• Catheters and medical supplies – for bladder management

• Shunt monitoring and neurosurgery follow-ups – if hydrocephalus (fluid buildup on the brain) develops

• Physical and occupational therapy – to build strength, coordination, and motor skills

• Frequent specialist visits – including neurology, urology, orthopedics, and physical medicine

• Adaptive equipment for home and school – like bath chairs, standing frames, and modified car seats

• Early intervention programs – developmental support in infancy and toddler years

• Speech or feeding therapy – if nerve involvement affects oral muscles

• Specialized shoes or mobility aids – as the child grows and needs change