Benefit for Shauna Jones-Demkowitch

Shauna Jones - Demkowitch (wife of Anthony Demkowitch) is expecting her third child and is in her fifth month of pregnancy. Her baby was recently diagnosed with Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele, causing an unfused portion of the spinal column to allow the spinal cord to protrude through an opening in the lower back. Following extensive testing at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), it was determined that Shauna and baby Demkowitch were eligible to undergo prenatal Spina Bifida surgery. The new... landmark fetal surgery is performed in order to greatly reduce the need to divert fluid from the brain, improve mobility, and increase the chances for independently walking.

Following the surgery, performed between 22 to 23 weeks gestation, Shauna will be required to be on strict bed rest, within 20 miles of CHOP, until the date of her delivery in Philadelphia. A family member is required to be with her at all times, to monitor and provide care. This benefit will be conducted to assist in providing the family funding to offset the costs of the surgery and to facilitate the best potential for quality of life for the Demkowitch baby.