Donate to Baby Solomon's Spina Bifida Surgery

Update from Storm 11/21/24:

Over the course of a ten-hour day at Vanderbilt yesterday, Michael and I met with several doctors, spina bifida clinic care workers, genetic specialists, and surgeons. The outcome was that Solomon will have the surgery after he’s born. Factors like my placenta, where his lesion is, and general outcome of the in-utero surgery compared to post-birth surgery played really strong roles. I truly believe God has given both Michael and I peace about this outcome, which is a huge blessing

At this point, the chances of Solomon being a wheelchair user are very high. We have been told to expect a six-week (at minimum) stay in the NICU after he’s born and that he will need lifelong care with the Spina Bifida Clinic - this doesn’t mean he can’t achieve his own form of independence, which we are of course praying for, but he will need to be monitored throughout his life to make sure he has the best, fullest life

Now the next steps are that I see a high risk doctor until Solomon is born. I’ll still be doing everything with Vanderbilt as they are equipped to help Solomon the most and already have several programs in place, like the Spina Bifida Clinic. The one perk of being a high risk mama/baby team is that I get to see him way more often - the amount of ultrasound pictures we already have is crazy!

I’ll admit to being a typical millennial who has every so often lamented the time she was born in, but over the past nine days, I have been immensely grateful that I live in a day and age where Solomon has the opportunities, programs, resources, and surgeons/doctors/nurses that are on his side and will advocate for him. What a blessing from God!

Now we wait and pray for a healthy, full-term baby, perfect surgery, and smooth recovery in the NICU in late February - early March.

Thank you all for your love, support, and prayers for our miracle boy. It means so much to both Michael and I!

11/17/24:

My sweet friend, Storm Shultz, and her family recently had an ultrasound and found out that their baby boy has spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

Hydrocephalus and spina bifida are often linked - SB is an opening in the spine that will need an operation, typically before birth. Hydrocephalus causes fluid retention in the brain, and unless it resolves before birth, he will need a shunt placed to help drain and regulate the fluid in his brain/body. Because of his gestational age, they only have about 3 weeks to schedule/perform the surgery.

There will be multiple consults and appointments before surgery can be scheduled. After surgery, Storm will be on heavy restrictions and have to stay within 30 mins of the hospital (which is about two hours from where they live).

Not only are they facing medical bills for the surgery, but they'll have to cover the cost of food, gas, and potentially temporary housing while Storm recovers from surgery.

Once baby Solomon is born next year, there will also be doctor's appointments and potentially more surgeries if he requires a shunt for the hydrocephalus.

This is all hitting at a hard time (Thanksgiving and Christmas) and Storm and her husband Michael also have to care for their two little girls (4 yrs and 2 yrs old).

Please consider donating to this family to help relieve some of the financial strain that they're facing over the next few months!

"I’m forever grateful for the chance to be Solomon’s mama. The Lord placed him in our life and entrusted us with him. While we’re navigating new waters right now, I’m positive that God will give us strength and wisdom. It won’t be long before I hold my baby boy and get to cover him in kisses." --Storm Shultz