Return to Vandy 1999!

Helen Rose Adams returned to Vanderbilt University Medical Center on November 15, 1999.
On August 28, 1998, she was the 14th baby to undergo surgery while in-utero for Spina Bifida.
We would now like to introduce you to the wonderful people at Vanderbilt who are responsible
for making it all happen!

  The Stovers with baby Meghan (#31)
Susan Stockell (holding Meghan)
Patti Rae and Helen Rose (dreaming of things to come)

The next day, we had the wonderful opportunity of meeting Dennis, Mindi, and baby Meghan
Stover. Meghan was fetal surgery #31, and she is cute as a button! What a fantastic time.
The kids bonded as if they were family. If you think about it, they actually are.
Susan Stockell, who is Dr Bruners' secretary, has been so busy that she had to
hire a secretary to assist her! Things were quite busy the day we re-visited.
There were two surgeries that morning, and phone calls from prospective couples
that afternoon. It never seems to slow down. But the more children who have the
surgery, the closer they will be to the procedure no longer being "experimental"
and so insurance companies would no longer be able to turn down the costs of this
amazing and wonderful modern day miracle.

 Susan Bauman and Helen Rose

Susan Bauman is a social (miracle) worker at Vanderbilt. She is responsible for coordinating the entire
schedule for each family who decides to go to Vandy for the in-utero surgical procedures. She is an
extremely dedicated professional, and a very good friend. She spends many hours away from her own
family to assist others. She knows just what to say when things seem like they are at their worst. Thanks Susan!

Miss Eileen Vrabcak RN, Helen Rose, and Dr. Bruner MD

Eileen Vrabcak is the "head honcho" of the surgical nursing division at Vandy. A true professional with
a big heart. It was comforting to know that such a great person was in charge of the people
who were  taking care of us before, during, and after the surgery. Dr. Joseph Bruner is the Director of
Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy. He, along with Dr Noel Tulipan, are the pioneers of in-utero
surgery for babies who have been diagnosed with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. He is an
extremely overworked man. He and his wife, Angel, are entirely devoted to the fetal surgical
program, and are spreading the word about this remarkable procedure. He has been all over the country
and on many different television programs, speaking on behalf of the fetal surgical division at Vandy.
No matter how hard of a day he is having, Dr Bruner always wears a smile. We are proud to be
a part of his "family". Thanks Dr. B!

Dr. Noel Tulipan, Helen, and Patti

Dr. Tulipan is the Director of the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery,
who performs the surgical procedure for in-utero repair
of spina bifida lesions, and in-utero shunt insertions for babies with severe hydrocephalus.
He also is a very overworked man. He and Dr. Bruner perform these procedures almost every
day, in hopes for a better lifestyle for babies being born with spina bifida. Upon Dr. Tulipan's
evaluation of Helen Rose, he determined that she was one of the top 3 performers! She is
excellent with her leg movements and motor skills. Even though she is a few months behind,
Dr. Tulipan insists that without a doubt, Helen Rose will eventually walk. Pretty good for
a baby that was supposed to be paralyzed! Thanks Dr. T!

Delia Nickolaus BSN/RN, Helen, and Patti

Our return to Vandy was arranged by Delia Nickolaus. Delia is the Case Manager for Pediatric
Neurosrgery. She is also Dr. Tulipans nurse. Her warm smile greeted us upon our return to
Vanderbilt. Patti Rae was feeling a little bit down the day we were there. But after Delia had
worked some of her charm and magic, Patti was on top of the world once again. Dr. Tulipan
is quite fortunate to have such a wonderful, and dedicated nurse such as Delia on his team.

DR. William Walsh and Helen Rose

Dr. William Walsh is in charge of the neonatal intensive care unit at Vanderbilt. His job, before the surgery,
was to show us the possibilities of what could happen when things go wrong. He took us through the NICU
and introduced us to a little baby who was born extremely pre-mature at 28 weeks. That is the gestation age
at which Helen was when the surgery was performed. He wanted us to make sure we understood all the risks
that we were about ready to take. After we returned to Vandy, his job was to evaluate Helen's motor skills
development. A.K.A letting her play with his toys. They bonded quite well. Dr. Walsh is a very friendly, and professional man, who is truly devoted to saving babies.

Dr. Mark Bilton and Helen Rose

The man responsible for examining the minds of couples who are wishing to have fetal surgery performed at Vanderbilt is Dr. Mark Bilton. He is on the board of ethics at Vandy. His job is to find out why we wanted
to have the surgery done when there are great risks involved. He showed us that there was the possibility of things going wrong during, and even after the surgery. After two days of intense interviews, he informed
both Eva and I that we qualified as people who were making a decision in the best interest of our baby. Thus, we were allowed to go through with the procedure.

TEAM VANDERBILT

Our relationship with Team Vandy continues to grow each day. Some of the finest people
on the face of this planet, dedicate their lives to ensure that each child has the opportunity of
living a long and healthy life. Helen Rose will have a much better chance of living a lifestyle
that most of us take for granted everyday, thanks to the wonderful people at Vanderbilt.
It has been an experience that we will never forget!

Merrie Gray P.T. and Helen Rose (yawning after a hard workout)

Back at home, Helen gets  physical therapy every week. Merrie Gray is a physical therapist,
and a good friend. She visits Helen 4 times a month. Helen is introduced to a more challenging
workout each week. Sometimes Helen has fun, and sometimes she protests. But needless to say,
her motor skills improve as each day goes by, thanks to dedicated people like Merrie. We are happy
to announce that Helen has been taking a great interest in standing up while holding on to our fingers.
And last week, she started taking her first steps. Not long from now, this little miracle
baby of ours will be taking her first steps......on her own!

BASKET CASE!

Helen Rose and Big Sister Patti Rae

We would love to hear from you. Send E-Mail to: [email protected]
 
 

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