Support Dan and Alexis's Baby's Medical Journey

My brother, Dan, and sister-in-law, Alexis, are thrilled to be expecting a baby later this summer. However, they just found out that their baby has been diagnosed with spina bifida myelomeningocele. This is the most severe form of spina bifida.

This diagnosis has taken them across the country to Philadelphia to receive treatment. Their baby requires a surgery pre-birth to have its nerves reinserted into the spine to prevent further damage. Their baby may also require a shunt to drain excess fluid from their brain.

After the surgery, Alexis will be on bed rest until delivery, at which point the baby will need to stay in the NICU.

On top of this stressful news, they’ve found out the children’s hospital that performs these services is out of network for their health insurance.

The baby’s spinal repair surgery will cost between $20,000 and $80,000. The shunt surgery will cost between $30,000 and $40,000. The baby’s stay in the NICU after delivery will cost between $85,000 and $500,000. Delivery and birth procedures will cost between $20,000 and $30,000. And, as Dan and Alexis live in Seattle, travel for treatment will cost between $5,000 and $20,000 depending on how long recovery takes.

They are working with the children’s hospital to find as much financial assistance as they can, but with the current state of health insurance in the USA, Alexis’s required bed rest and resulting inability to work at this time, and Dan’s loss of his job last week, we are asking for any kindness you can offer.

Thank you so much for any support you can spare!