Natalie and Eric Wagoner are 28 weeks pregnant. Just like any other expecting parents, they went for their ultrasound to check on the baby and hopefully learn the sex. They confirmed he was a BOY! The great news came with some not so great news. Baby Maverick has Spina Bifida.  He also has 2 club feet. His feet being clubbed  is due to nerve damage and he will more than likely have paralysis in the feet & ankles. He is also losing muscle tissue in his calves which could in turn hinder his ability to walk. As of right now, he is also losing his ability to bend his knees.

While accepting the medical diagnosis of baby Maverick having Spina Bifida, they also learned he as a CCAM. His lung didn't grow properly causing him to have a cyst on his lung.

What does this all mean?
Spina Bifida
When baby Maverick is born he will be delivered in a children's hospital and placed in NICU. Within 24 hours of birth he will have surgery to repair his spine and close his back up. Once his back is closed, he will most likely develop fluid on his brain. The fluid around his brain will then require him to have a shunt put in to drain the fluid.

His lung
Worst case scenario, he may have to be on a ventilator when he's born and immediate surgery.
Best case scenario- At 4-6 weeks old, he will have HALF of his lung removed. This will remove the cyst and give the lung the opportunity for regrowth.

Long term affects baby Maverick is facing
Catherization- Bowel Surgery- Foot Orthodics- More shunt surgeries. He is also faced with being wheel chair dependant and the possibilty of having bowel and bladder problems.

How can we help?
Natalie and Eric have 2 children and are expecting their third- baby Maverick. With all the things baby Maverick is facing they travel to Cincinnati every other week. They also have 1-2 appointments in Fort Wayne a week. They have been told the best  place to deliver is in Cincinnati and they will have to "short term" relocate between 32-38 gestational weeks. After he is born, baby Maverick is facing a 3-12 week stay in Cincinnati.

This family is just like the rest of us! Hard working parents! They devote everything they have into their children and careers. They are facing a HUGE financial burden. Their medical bills have already piled high and this sweet little fighter hasn't made his debut! Mom and baby are being monitored closely and it is understood that as soon as baby Maverick shows any signs of trouble, mom will be placed on bed rest and admitted to the hospital. The last thing this sweet family needs to worry about is keeping their household running financially. They are also faced with long term medical bills to ensure baby Maverick has the best quality of life.

We truly believe mom and baby Maverick are in the best possible hands.  We also believe in the power of prayer.  If you are able to monetarily donate, please consider donating to this wonderful family. They are truly wonderful people and could use our help in this happy yet worrisome time!