Georgia mother undergoes groundbreaking surgery to give unborn daughter brighter future

HOUSTON, Tex. - This holiday season, Courtney and Ray Dailey have an extra reason to be thankful. The Georgia couple is celebrating a transformative medical breakthrough that is giving their unborn baby girl a brighter future.

After the joy of learning they were expecting a daughter, the Daileys were devastated to discover she had spina bifida, a rare and serious birth defect that affects the spinal cord. Determined to give their child the best possible chance, the couple began researching treatment options and found hope in a revolutionary procedure performed in Texas.

ORIGINAL STORY: Surgery at Texas Children's Hospital brings hope to unborn baby with spina bifida

Courtney underwent a groundbreaking fetal surgery to repair her baby’s spine while still in the womb. The delicate operation began with an incision similar to a C-section, allowing surgeons to access the baby and repair the defect.

This life-changing procedure was the result of countless hours of practice and innovation. Doctors honed their skills by practicing on a kickball in the operating room, perfecting the technique before bringing it to real-life application. Today, these specialists are sharing their knowledge, training other surgeons to perform the surgery and expand its availability.

Despite the challenges that lie ahead, the Daileys are optimistic about their daughter’s future. "We are so grateful for the opportunity to give her the best possible start in life," the family shared.

Spina bifida affects approximately 1,500 babies born in the United States each year. Advances in fetal surgery are offering new hope to families, and the Daileys' story is a testament to the power of medical innovation and perseverance.