Canda Orpinel Pray for the Orpinel’s

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place.
On January 22nd, we found out our baby was diagnosed with Spina Bifida. There is a wide variation of SB; which is why it is referred to as a snowflake. You can google ‘CHOP Spina Bifida’ for an amazing educational video on the matter. Our Doctor suggested this site versus the plethora of misinformation out there on the internet.
After several test, doctors visits and consultations with surgeons in Houston we discovered we are eligible for fetal surgery. This is an amazing answered prayer! Qualifying for this surgery was a very specific process. Not many parents with this diagnosis are eligible. This will help improve our little boys way of life.
On Tuesday, the 26th I will undergo surgery in Houston. They will make an incision on the womb and repair his back. This will prevent any further damage for the remaining of the pregnancy. As of now, I am 25 weeks.
After the surgery, I will be in the hospital in for at least 5 days. Upon release, I have to stay down in Houston for two weeks for follow-up visits.
When we return home, I will be on bedrest for the remaining of the pregnancy.
We are asking for prayers on the surgery, recovery, and of course for our son Ben. Being away from him for a such a long time and out of his normal routine is the hardest part for us. We have an amazing family and friends. Ben’s school and our work families have been more than understanding and supportive. All have stepped up to help make sure he maintains a since of normalcy.
There will be a Caring Bridge page posted with updates throughout this process.
We appreciate everyone’s prayers, love, and support throughout this journey. We’ve learned already, it certainly takes a village to raise a family!