Karen and Kurt Langner's medical bills.

After many years of trying to get pregnant, Karen and Kurt finally were successful after the 6th IVF (In Vitro Fertilization). Karen is now 23 weeks into her pregnancy. After the most recent ultrasound that was done at University of Iowa Health Care, the doctor diagnosed the baby has Spina Bifida. Spina Bifida is when the baby’s developing spine fails to close properly, leaving a section of the spinal cord and spinal nerves exposed.

University of Iowa Health Care performed an amniocentesis to test for other genetic abnormalities. Karen was then referred to Mayo Clinic in Rochester to determine if the baby would qualify for fetal surgery. Mayo Clinic performed numerous tests which included an ultrasound, MRI and echocardiogram on the baby.

Karen and Kurt had consultations with a Neurologic surgeon, Obstetrician & Gynecologist, Pediatric Cardiologist, Neonatologists and a Maternal and Fetal Medicine Genetics counselor. After the tests and consultations, it was determined the baby would qualify for fetal surgery. Fetal surgery is a delicate surgical procedure where the surgeon opens the uterus and closes the opening in the baby’s back while the baby is still in the womb.

Karen & Kurt agreed to the surgery after weighing the risks to Karen and the baby. They felt doing the surgery now would give the baby a better chance of having less severe disabilities instead of waiting to do it after the baby was born.

The fetal surgery is tentatively scheduled for November 16 at the Mayo Hospital. Karen will need to be admitted the day before. She will need to stay in the hospital for a week after the surgery. Since Karen lives 3 ½ hours away from Rochester, the doctors want her to stay close by in Rochester for another week in case of complications.

Due to the amount of expenses that will be incurred due to the surgery and extended stays, we hope that you will consider donating to help ease the burden to Karen and Kurt.

Thank you