My Son's Journey With Spina Bifida

Guest post written by Megan Mompher, mom to Blake

I have never been as scared in my life as the moment when I found out my unborn son had spina bifida. Blake’s future was unknown and my husband and I had no idea what to expect. We were immediately connected to the Ohio Fetal Medicine Collaborative – the right specialists at the right hospitals for Blake and for me. They answered our questions, eased our anxieties and helped us prepare. This support, combined with our faith in God, gave us the strength we needed to face our new reality. We promised our unborn boy we’d give him the best life we could. We were determined.

As I got to know Blake’s doctors and nurses before his birth, I knew we were in good hands. But once Blake arrived, his team exceeded every one of our expectations. From the transport team who brought him to Nationwide Children’s just hours after his birth, to the surgeons, doctors and nurses who took care of him through his 19-day NICU stay. Even the folks who cleaned Blake’s room did everything in their power to make sure we were comfortable. We are incredibly grateful.

Life now comes with its challenges every once in awhile, but above all it has been joyful as we adjust to being a family of five. Blake has had two more shunt revision surgeries since we wrapped up production on the documentary. We are scheduled in Myelomeningocele Clinic every 3 months and our sweet boy is happy and thriving.

We’re glad we decided to take part in this video.  At first my thought was “Awesome! We will have a great memory to share with Blake someday!” But as my husband and I researched more and more, we learned that many families feel that they cannot face a lifetime of caring for a child with spina bifida. We hoped and prayed that our story would help those families understand that they are not alone; there is medical and emotional support available to provide a lifetime full of happiness.

I have many hopes for Blake’s future. I hope he’ll touch many lives with his story. I hope he continues to fight as he has in his six months of life. And I hope he comes to know and trust in our Savior Jesus. Since his diagnosis I’ve always viewed Psalm 139:13-14 as Blake’s life verse: “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are you works; my soul knows it very well.”

Megan Mompher is happily married to Aric Mompher, and together they have three beautiful kids; Ava, Maci, and Blake. Blake was diagnosed in May 2013 with spina bifida, hydrocephalus, and Chiari Malformation. Today he is a happy baby who is dearly loved! The Mompher’s live in Prospect, Ohio.