Help the Derting Family Prepare for Baby Asa

Earlier this month, Sara went in for a routine ultrasound to see how little Asa Robert was doing.  During the checkup, it was discovered that Asa has spina-bifida, which is where a developing baby's spinal cord fails to develop or close properly while in the womb.



Ben and Sara were sent to UNC-Chapel Hill for imaging and diagnosis.  The lesion is somewhere in-between his lumbar (L4 specifically) and his sacrum. The imaging of his brain shows that he has a Chiari II malfunction that is common with spina bifida. This malfunction can lead to hydrocephalus, fluid build-up in the brain. Currently, the doctors like what they see as his ventricle does not appear to be misshapen and blocking the exchange of fluid.

Sara is not a candidate for fetal surgery.  So a day after Asa is born he will have surgery to patch the lesion and correct the neural tube. He will undergo multiple tests and imaging while in the NICU for at least the first 5 days after his surgery.

As Ben and Sara start to navigate this journey, there are many unexpected needs they face. 

Foremost, we ask for your prayers (prayers for baby’s healing and safety, prayers for provision, and prayers for wisdom and peace for Ben, Sara, family and the medical team).  

Secondly, we ask that you prayerfully consider helping them with their many unexpected financial needs.  

If you are able to provide some financial support, your donation will go toward:

- Medical bills both before and after Asa is born 
- Some relief as Sara prepares to end work (and is not sure when she’ll be able to return)
- Enabling Ben to take some unpaid time off once Asa is born 
- Commuting and living expenses as they go to Chapel Hill for medical care 

Any amount you have, big or small, will be greatly appreciated. 

Spina-bifida is also known as the “snowflake condition” because it looks different for every single child.  There are still a lot of unanswered questions  and many will remain unanswered until their team of experts can determine Asa's needs once he is born. 

If you have more questions, please direct them to Ben’s sister (Andrea Derting).  This will allow Ben & Sara to catch their breath a bit. 

Here's also a few helpful resources with more information on Spina-bifida:

- What Is Spina Bifida 

- Neurosurgical Conditions and Treatments 

Thank you for your prayers and support.  A few things we know for certain in the midst of all this uncertainty is that God is a loving, faithful father, and that Asa is a child of God who is fearfully and wonderfully made.  Ben and Sara are so excited to have him in their arms. And to have him meet all of you. 

In Christ,

Ethan & Gabrielle