Shaddye and Kristi Melu: Houston Fund

Thank you so much for your love and support of our family during this season. Our baby boy was diagnosed with an open neural tube defect called spina bifida at 17 weeks pregnant. After the devastating news, we sought many opinions and learned about a fetoscopic surgery that can take place between 24-25 weeks pregnant where a team of surgeons cover the baby’s spine while still in the womb.  Although not a cure, this surgery has shown to reduce the baby’s need for a brain shunt post-birth by over 50%, and mobility for the baby is significantly increased. We flew to Houston to meet with the team of doctors at Texas Children’s Hospital and found out we were candidates for surgery, which itself is a miracle. We will be moving to Houston on Saturday, November 7th, and Kristi will undergo surgery on Wednesday, November 11th, one day shy of 25 weeks pregnant. We will have to remain in Houston until Kristi gives birth, most likely at the end of February.  

We are believing God for a miracle of supernatural healing and have seen His hand at work in our pregnancy already.  We had to test perfectly in many different tests to qualify for the surgery and at our 22 week ultrasound the doctors were extremely encouraged that our baby boy has strong movement in his hips, knees, ankles and toes!  His brain ventricles have stayed at a good and manageable size and we are continuing to pray his brain ventricles stay small throughout the pregnancy.  


All funds raised will go to help with the cost of all medical bills, housing and all expenses in Houston. Thank you for loving us and supporting us during this season, there are no words to express what your love and support and prayers have meant to us. In addition to funds, below are ways you can be praying for us specifically:


- supernatural miracle of full healing for our baby boy
- baby’s brain ventricles stay small and even reduce in size during surgery and remainder of pregnancy 
- baby keeps strong movement in hips, knees, ankles and toes throughout pregnancy 
- baby’s nerves controlling his bladder will stay strong and be in full strength when he is born
- no complications in surgery for baby or Kristi
- Kristi to have a pain-free recovery and is able to carry to full term and deliver vaginally 39 weeks 
- for wisdom and strength for doctors during surgery and after as they care for Kristi and baby 
- for our family to be surrounded and know the peace of God during this season 
- baby boy born with full mobility, no need for a brain shunt and full bladder control
- that our baby boy would be a miracle and declare the power and strength of God!! 


We love you! 
- Shaddye, Kristi and baby boy Melu