Scottie’s Journey: A Story of Hope, Support, and Resilience.1996
In October 2024, Abigail and her husband were confronted with the life-changing news that their daughter, Scottie, had been diagnosed with spina bifida during a routine prenatal screening. The diagnosis brought a wave of uncertainty, fear, and countless questions about their baby’s future. But despite the unknowns, Abigail and her husband were determined to provide Scottie with the best care possible. They found that care and hope at
Spina bifida is a birth defect that occurs when the spinal cord doesn’t develop properly, often leading to varying degrees of paralysis, physical disabilities, and in some cases, developmental issues. While the news of Scottie’s diagnosis initially filled the couple with worry, they were reassured by the expert team at Texas Children’s, which is renowned for its advanced treatments and compassionate care.
In December 2024, Scottie underwent fetoscopic in-utero surgery, a pioneering procedure that allowed doctors to repair the defect before birth. The surgery, led by Dr. Belfort and Dr. Whitehead
"From the moment we arrived at Texas Children’s, we knew Scottie was in good hands," Abigail says. "The care was exceptional, and the team’s commitment to Scottie and to us was beyond what we could have imagined."
After the surgery, Scottie’s recovery and development continued to be carefully monitored. Her treatment included weekly physical therapy to strengthen her lower legs, which are essential for her mobility, as well as regular
Abigail shares, "Scottie is truly a happy and thriving little baby. So much of her progress and positivity we attribute to the success of the procedure and the amazing team at Texas Children’s. For this, we will forever be grateful."
The road ahead is one filled with uncertainty, but Scottie’s progress and the ongoing support she receives from the Spina Bifida Program at Texas Children’s gives her family hope for the future. The family knows that Scottie will continue to have the support of her medical team as she grows, providing them with a sense of security as they navigate her journey.
For Abigail, if there’s one message she wants to share with other families affected by spina bifida, it’s one of hope and resilience. "If there’s one thing I could tell other Spina Bifida families, it’s that their child is going to be the absolute light of their life. Spina Bifida does not define who Scottie is; rather, it’s a small piece of her story."
Abigail’s words are a reminder that while the challenges of raising a child with spina bifida can feel overwhelming, those challenges do not diminish the joy and love that come with being a parent. Every milestone, whether big or small, is a testament to the strength, courage, and determination of both the child and their family.
The Klingsporn family plans to continue utilizing the resources of Texas Children’s Spina Bifida Program throughout Scottie’s life, confident that she will have a team by her side every step of the way. "We know we’re not alone in this journey. The team at Texas Children’s has made all the difference, and we’re incredibly grateful for the ongoing support they provide," Abigail says.
As Spina Bifida Awareness Month rolls around this October, Scottie’s story is one of hope, love, and resilience—a reminder of how far a child can go with the right care, support, and community. For families dealing with similar challenges, Scottie’s journey shows that with the right team behind them, anything is possible.
In the face of adversity, the Klingsporn family continues to embrace each day with gratitude, joy, and optimism. Their daughter, Scottie, is not just a child with spina bifida—she’s a vibrant, thriving little girl who continues to prove that nothing can hold her back.
Scottie’s story is just one example of the incredible work being done at Texas Children’s to support children with spina bifida and their families. And as Abigail says, "We are so thankful for all the care and love Scottie has received, and we’re excited to see what the future holds for her."
