Tanner Davis, a mother from Kentucky, embarked on a remarkable journey to ensure the best possible future for her unborn son, Bo. During a routine 20-week anatomy scan, she was informed that her baby had been diagnosed with spina bifida, a neural tube defect that can lead to a variety of physical and cognitive challenges. This unexpected news prompted Tanner and her husband, Chris, to explore every available option to improve their son’s outcome.
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Initially overwhelmed by the implications of the diagnosis, Tanner’s immediate response was to seek ways to help her son. “Everything changed once we learned about Bo’s condition,” she recounted. Despite the shock, her determination to ensure that Bo would receive unconditional love and care remained resolute. With her three-year-old daughter, Dallas, also part of the family, Tanner felt a strong obligation to provide Bo with the best possible start in life.
As Tanner and Chris delved into research about spina bifida, they discovered that in-utero fetal surgery could significantly enhance their son’s prospects compared to traditional postnatal procedures. The couple remained relentless in their search for the right surgical team and ultimately identified Dr. Samer Elbabaa and Dr. Cole Greves at Orlando Health – a leading institution in fetal surgery – located over 500 miles away in Florida.
For the Davis family, this decision to relocate was anything but easy. Leaving behind their support network in Kentucky, including family and friends, was a significant sacrifice. Yet, Tanner expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from their loved ones, who encouraged their choice to pursue the best medical care available for Bo.
Once settled in The Villages area of Central Florida, where Tanner’s parents reside, they began their journey at Orlando Health. The first meeting with Dr. Elbabaa and Dr. Greves proved pivotal. Tanner felt an immediate sense of optimism as Dr. Elbabaa reassured her, expressing confidence in her son’s potential. This nurturing approach contrasted sharply with previous medical interactions that had focused solely on the challenges Bo might face due to his diagnosis.
In due course, Tanner and Bo underwent the surgery, which was met with high hopes from the family. Reflecting on their experience, Tanner noted the exceptional care they received, likening the hospital staff’s support to that of a family. More than a year later, Bo is thriving and reaching developmental milestones ahead of his first birthday, which is set for November.
Tanner describes Bo as a “true miracle,” noting his joyful disposition and ability to crawl, stand, and even take steps. Presently, he requires no medical interventions or assistive devices, a fact that Tanner attributes to the skill and dedication of his medical team at Orlando Health Children’s Pavilion.
As Tanner reflects on the period when she and Chris learned they were having a son, she recalls the dreams they held for Bo’s future, including hopes of him participating in sports such as football and baseball. The diagnosis initially clouded these aspirations, creating uncertainty about what the future might hold for him. However, witnessing Bo’s significant progress has ignited renewed optimism in Tanner and Chris.
“Every day we see Bo standing and taking steps, we’re reminded of his resilience,” Tanner shared. With this newfound hope, the family is determined to support Bo in pursuing his passions as he grows.
Bo will be celebrating his first birthday in true Davis style, complete with presents, cake, and cheering on the Notre Dame football team – a family tradition. Tanner views this celebration as symbolic of their incredible journey and the faith they have in Bo’s future.
In sharing their story, Tanner hopes to inspire other parents navigating similar challenges. “A diagnosis does not define your child or your family’s future,” she asserts, acknowledging the initial fear and anxiety that can accompany such a revelation. By finding the right support and medical guidance, Tanner believes that it is possible to foster hope amidst overwhelming circumstances.
She concludes by encouraging others facing diagnoses like spina bifida to have faith in their child’s potential. If her story can inspire just one parent to pursue fetal surgery or to believe in the possibilities for their child, then sharing it has been worthwhile for Tanner. Through her own experiences, she has learned about resilience and the importance of hope, qualities she wishes to pass on to Bo.