Caledonia Argus

Baby who underwent fetal surgery born

Posted: 2/19/02

Grace Vinson, the daughter of Randy and Andrea Vinson, New Albin, was born February 6, 2002. She weighed 4 lbs., 1.8 oz and was 16 1/4 inches long.

The infant had undergone fetal surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville on December 14 to correct a neural tube defect known as spina bifida, which can result in hydrocephaly, club feet, bowel and bladder problems and developmental difficulties. Her mother reports that the infant, whose head was lemon-shaped before the surgery, has a normal-shaped head, normal feet, and does not appear to have any bowel or bladder difficulties. She also appears to have normal leg movement. Although the surgery is not considered a cure, in many cases it has lessened the severity of the disability. Fewer than 250 of the procedures have been done in the U.S.

After Graceís diagnosis was made, her parents learned that their insurance would not cover the cost of the fetal surgery because it considered the procedure ìexperimental.î Andrea then made a public appeal for donations in order to obtain the surgery for Grace. Contributions from individuals, organizations and businesses made it possible for the Vinsons to travel to Nashville and obtain the surgery.

Grace joins two older sisters, Macy and Megan. Her grandparents are Patsy Wiste, Charles and Emily Wiste, Kenneth Vinson and Keith and Sandie Comstock.

Top of Page