Clayton & Emily are expecting a sweet baby girl, Mabry. Here is their story:

At 17 weeks, Clayton and Emily found out that they are having a baby GIRL and are beyond excited!! Shortly after this, they received some pretty earth-shattering news at the 19 week anatomy ultrasound. They were told that it seems as though baby girl has a neural tube defect, called Spina Bifida. There are several different types. She has the more severe type— myelomeningocele, which means her spinal column did not fuse together very early in pregnancy. The defect that was found at the base of her spine is an outpouching that is filled with nerves that control her bladder, bowel function and possibly legs.

The 2 basic options we’ve been presented with are: surgery shortly after she’s born to correct the defect, or in-utero surgery to correct the defect. The surgery which occurs while she’s in the womb must be done between 19-25 weeks gestation. Outcomes appear to be more promising if we were to qualify for the in-utero surgery. It seems there is a better chance that she won’t develop hydrocephalus or need a VP shunt if the defect is corrected while she is in the womb. Though they are overwhelmed, they are so thankful that she has life! We plan to joyfully celebrate her the rest of this pregnancy.

They decided on her name—Mabry Claire Miller. They believe wholeheartedly that God is GOOD and that she is a gift directly from Him. We know that she is God’s masterpiece and that she has been given a special mission in this life—which He has prepared in advance for her, before she is even born. They are clinging to the Lord’s promise that He works ALL things together for the good of those who love him. Our Heavenly Father loves Mabry more than we ever could and He is up to something extra special with her life. They are trusting that He has amazing plans for her. What a blessing she is already!

Emily & Clayton had a visit with the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). CHOP’s Spina Bifida Program was the first in the nation dedicated to the multidisciplinary care of patients with spina bifida. They have a longstanding mission of partnering with patients and families to provide individualized care that maximizes each child’s potential. This visit indicated that Emily & Mabry are candidates for the in-utero surgery, which will be Wednesday, October 21. This is a very delicate surgical procedure where fetal surgeons open the uterus and close the opening in the baby's back while they are still in the womb. Emily & Clayton both are allowed to stay at CHOP four days post-op. Afterwards, Emily will be required to stay close by in Philadelphia so she will be staying in a short term rental until after Mabry is born (roughly 3 months). Clayton will have to return to Augusta for work but will be back and forth as much as possible. Emily will have a family member stay with her at all times during her recovery.

This page has been started out of love for Mabry. Several have asked how to help. While Emily & Clayton do not expect any assistance, we all know the smallest donation goes a very long way for their journey ahead. Please also join us in fervently praying for sweet Mabry. We appreciate each and every encouraging word, act of kindness, and prayer sent. They mean more to Clayton and Emily & their families than you'll ever know. #MabrysMission

Mabry's Mission

By Mabry Miller

Mabry's Mission