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On November 2nd, the day of Kori’s 20 week ultrasound she received the news that their baby girl has Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele. This is the most serious form of Spina Bifida. In short, the bones of her spine didn't form fully leaving an opening in her back that is not covered by skin. This allows amniotic fluid to enter and can cause damage to exposed nerves.
By November 4th, Kori and Andy were in Philadelphia at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) where they received numerous tests and met with a large team of doctors and nurses. Until recently, spina bifida treatment was relegated to post-birth surgery after damage from continuous exposure to amniotic fluid was already made. Fetal spina bifida surgery though, is now shown to offer significantly better results than traditional repair after birth. Because spinal cord damage is progressive during gestation, prenatal repair of myelomeningocele may prevent further damage. Fetal spina bifida surgery is one of the most exciting developments in the history of treatment for birth defects. An extremely complex procedure available only to qualified candidates, fetal surgery for myelomeningocele requires significant commitment on the part of mothers who choose to go forward with it and extensive surgical experience to perform successfully.
There are so many pro’s to this surgery, but unfortunately also cons that come along with it. Kori and the baby will be receiving surgery on November 21st in Philadelphia. From that point on, Kori will be on mandatory bed rest, within 30 miles of CHOP until the baby is born. Mothers carrying a baby with myelomeningocele who choose fetal surgery for spina bifida require the most expert and carefully coordinated care from the time of diagnosis through care after the baby is born.
Not only will Kori remain in Philadelphia likely through March, but she will need someone by her side at all times. Though Andy wants nothing more than to be with his wife at this time, he also needs to be home to take care of Gabriel who is in first grade now, and attends school in Ballston Spa. Family and friends will take turns traveling to Philadelphia and caring for Gabe over the next few months until their little girl arrives.
We won’t know the extent of damage done until she arrives and maybe some until she is older, but what we do know is that they are giving Kori and Andy and opportunity to help their baby now, so she can heal inside the womb and for this we are beyond thankful.
After surgery, Kori and Andy (or guest) will be staying in a hotel for hopefully not much longer than a week, where she will then move into the Ronald MacDonald house for the remainder of her stay in Philadelphia. Travel, food and housing costs will add up fast without even considering the amount of doctor visits and medical treatment in the future. I am asking for donations to help Kori, Andy, Gabriel and their baby girl get through this difficult time. Everything is appreciated.
By November 4th, Kori and Andy were in Philadelphia at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) where they received numerous tests and met with a large team of doctors and nurses. Until recently, spina bifida treatment was relegated to post-birth surgery after damage from continuous exposure to amniotic fluid was already made. Fetal spina bifida surgery though, is now shown to offer significantly better results than traditional repair after birth. Because spinal cord damage is progressive during gestation, prenatal repair of myelomeningocele may prevent further damage. Fetal spina bifida surgery is one of the most exciting developments in the history of treatment for birth defects. An extremely complex procedure available only to qualified candidates, fetal surgery for myelomeningocele requires significant commitment on the part of mothers who choose to go forward with it and extensive surgical experience to perform successfully.
There are so many pro’s to this surgery, but unfortunately also cons that come along with it. Kori and the baby will be receiving surgery on November 21st in Philadelphia. From that point on, Kori will be on mandatory bed rest, within 30 miles of CHOP until the baby is born. Mothers carrying a baby with myelomeningocele who choose fetal surgery for spina bifida require the most expert and carefully coordinated care from the time of diagnosis through care after the baby is born.
Not only will Kori remain in Philadelphia likely through March, but she will need someone by her side at all times. Though Andy wants nothing more than to be with his wife at this time, he also needs to be home to take care of Gabriel who is in first grade now, and attends school in Ballston Spa. Family and friends will take turns traveling to Philadelphia and caring for Gabe over the next few months until their little girl arrives.
We won’t know the extent of damage done until she arrives and maybe some until she is older, but what we do know is that they are giving Kori and Andy and opportunity to help their baby now, so she can heal inside the womb and for this we are beyond thankful.
After surgery, Kori and Andy (or guest) will be staying in a hotel for hopefully not much longer than a week, where she will then move into the Ronald MacDonald house for the remainder of her stay in Philadelphia. Travel, food and housing costs will add up fast without even considering the amount of doctor visits and medical treatment in the future. I am asking for donations to help Kori, Andy, Gabriel and their baby girl get through this difficult time. Everything is appreciated.
Organizer and beneficiary
Kati Nortrup
Organizer
Schenectady, NY
Kori Scram
Beneficiary