Spina bifida, called myelomeningocele, occurs when spinal tissue fails to fuse properly during the early stages of pregnancy. The birth defect can lead to a range of lifelong cognitive, mobility, urinary and bowel disabilities. It affects 1,500 to 2,000 children in the U.S. every year. Spina bifida can range from mild to severe.

Lindsey was 18 weeks pregnant with her fifth child when she got a life-changing phone call. Her blood work was abnormal. She and husband, Jared, went in for an ultrasound and got some news they never expected: Their developing baby had spina bifida.

Fortunately, Lindsay was able to join the CuRe Trial at UC Davis Health. In this first-of-its-kind fetal surgery for spina bifida, UC Davis surgeons apply a special stem cell patch to the spinal cord of the developing baby. Nixon, now 1 year old, loves playing catch, wrestling his brothers and especially loves being outside.

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