The road ahead with spina bifida

Hello, I'm Laura and my husband is Ralph. Together we have a four year old daughter named Mila and two step children Jordan and Gabriel. Since the tender age of two Mila has prayed for a sibling and while patiently waiting for two years God answered her prayer and so our journey began.

On a routine visit at 18 weeks with a maternal fetal specialist the doctor came in to inform us she "didn't have good news." Our hearts sank! She went on to explain that our baby had spina bifida. Within that week we were rushed for an MRI and sheduled to see a Neurosurgeon. More heart breaking information was given to us. The baby would most likely have no mobility on the lower extremities due to having the most severe case of spina bifida (myelomenigocele with chiari malformation, with this condition, a sac of fluid comes through an opening in the baby's back. Part of the spinal cord and nerves are in this sac and are damaged).

This news brought us to our knees asking God for guidance. Thankfully we were referred to Children's Hospital in Philadelphia where groundbreaking fetal surgery is done. We arrived to Philly on June 5th, 2023 and spent 2 days doing blood work, MRI'S etc. to determine if I was a candidate for in utero surgery. Meaning they would repair our baby's spine in my womb! We received a call advising I was a candidate and on June 9th, we were operated. By God's grace the surgery went well.

With all that being said, the surgeons and OBGYN recommend parents to relocate to Philly for weekly observations, bedrest due to pre-term labor and other factors until the baby is born. With relocating, unexpected expenses have occurred, I have not been able to work, expenses back home, medical bills, living off of one income and travel.

Throughout this season of our lives we have seen God's faithfulness. Family and friends have been praying. They have visited us and have helped with taking care of Mila back home, in our weekly check-ups Dr's have seen movement in our baby's legs and the chiari malformation has reversed itself after the surgery.

God is so good He has helped me surpass weeks 34-35, which statistically mom's go into labor due to the surgery. I am currently 36 weeks and have a scheduled c-section on September 5th.

We ask most importantly to continue praying for us and the road ahead. We are aware the baby might need a shunt shortly after birth due to a large amount of fluid in his brain. Not sure what other obstacles we will encounter once the baby is born but God does! We rest in Him knowing He is in full control and will continue to carry us. We thank you all in advance for your support, prayers and any financial assistance you can provide during this time.

With a greatful heart,

Laura and Ralph