Dillon Rotherham


Dillon Rotherham

Ambassador Child 2001-2002

At 19 weeks of pregnancy Karen Rotherham’s small baby boy Dillon was diagnosed with spina bifida. After much prayer and research Karen allowed little Dillon to undergo surgery while still in her womb at 24 weeks old. This special surgery repaired the lesion on Dillon’s spine that would prevent additional nerve damage brought on by rubbing against the uterine wall.

After complete bed rest Dillon was born 5 weeks early with bilateral clubfeet and hip displacia, which is common with Spina bifida.

When Dillon was a week old fluid began to collect in his brain so he underwent surgery to implant a programmable shunt. This programmable shunt allowed drainage to be released without additional surgeries. This was also the first programmable shunt to be performed at Children’s Hospital.

Little Dillon has experienced many surgeries in his life, and may face more, but his spirit is strong and happy. Without the inutero surgery performed on Dillon at 24 weeks he would not be as advanced as he is.

The Rotherham family thanks God, the physicians, nurses, and the research that took place to give Dillon the chance to have a normal, happy life.

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