Lucas’s Journey: A Story of Hope, Resilience, and Support.1995

When Viva and her husband first learned that their unborn son, Lucas, had been diagnosed with spina bifida at 20 weeks of pregnancy, they were overcome with shock and uncertainty. As any parent would, they worried about what the future would hold for their baby and what challenges they would face. But as they began to process the news, they found solace in the support and expertise of the team at Texas Children’s Fetal Center®.

Spina bifida is a birth defect that occurs when the spinal cord doesn’t develop properly, and the severity can vary from person to person. For many parents, receiving this diagnosis is overwhelming, and Viva was no different. “It was a lot to take in at first,” she recalls. “I didn’t know what to expect, and everything felt uncertain. But from the moment we walked into Texas Children’s, we felt we were in good hands.”

Texas Children’s Fetal Center®, known for its advanced fetal surgery programs and compassionate care, became the cornerstone of their journey. Lucas’s parents decided to pursue fetal surgery, a pioneering procedure that would give their baby the best possible start in life by repairing the spina bifida while still in the womb.

The surgery, though a challenging decision, was a turning point for the family. It wasn’t just about the medical procedure; it was about hope, the hope of giving Lucas the best opportunity for a healthy life. The team of specialists at Texas Children’s Fetal Center® didn’t just provide expert care, but they also became a source of strength, compassion, and guidance throughout the process.

“The specialists were not only experts in their field, but they also treated us like family,” Viva shared. “They truly cared about our son and our family, and that made all the difference in the world.”

After the surgery, Lucas’s journey didn’t end—it was just the beginning. The care didn’t stop after birth; it has been an ongoing process. From physical therapy to specialized medical care, Lucas’s team continues to provide the best care available. The family was reassured knowing that they were never alone in their journey. “We know that Lucas will always have a team by his side throughout his life,” Viva said. “We will continue to stay connected to Texas Children’s Spina Bifida Program, knowing that we’re in the best hands.”

Despite the initial fears and challenges, Lucas is thriving, and his family is filled with gratitude for the support they have received. “Thank you, Texas Children’s, for your expertise, for treating our son as more than just a diagnosis, and for walking with us during some of the hardest and most uncertain times of our lives,” Viva expressed with deep appreciation.

Lucas’s story is one of hope, resilience, and the unwavering support of a dedicated medical team. But it’s also a story of the strength that families find in themselves. Viva has an important message for other parents who may be going through similar experiences: “It’s okay to grieve, it’s okay to be scared, and it’s okay to take things one day at a time. You’ll find a strength you didn’t know you had, and your child will surprise you with joy in ways you can’t imagine.”

For the Klingsporn family, Lucas’s diagnosis was just the start of an unexpected journey, one filled with challenges, but also moments of incredible joy. With the support of the Texas Children’s Spina Bifida Program, they are not only getting the medical care Lucas needs, but they are also building a community of support that will carry them through the highs and lows of his life.

Their journey is far from over, but the family remains optimistic, knowing that Lucas has a dedicated team that is not only helping him grow and thrive but is also helping his parents navigate the complexities of spina bifida.

Through the strength and compassion of Texas Children’s, and the love of a dedicated family, Lucas is not defined by his diagnosis, but by the joy he brings to his family and the resilience he has shown every day.