Meet Micah, a four-month-old little gentleman. He loves his big brother, Ezra, and he has a smile that melts hearts.
Micah was diagnosed with spina bifida while still in his mother’s womb. Micah’s spine didn’t form properly and when he was born, it didn’t fully close. This caused damage to his spinal cord and nerves.
Micah had surgery to close the hole in his back two days after he was born. Unfortunately, the wound didn’t close well and needed extra procedures, monitoring and antibiotics, keeping Micah in the NICU for a full month before he could go home.
Micah was also born with hydrocephalus. This means that Micah had too much fluid around his brain. He has a shunt to help drain the fluid.
Micah has experienced multiple shunt issues already that have required him to be life-flighted to Portland for treatment.
Micah has paralysis below his knees. He will eventually learn to walk with assistive devices and/or use a wheelchair.
Micah’s parents noticed some noisy breathing, and he wasn’t gaining weight effectively. They were told he has laryngomalacia (a floppy voice box). He was scheduled for surgery to correct this.
During surgery, they realized they had misdiagnosed him, and they gave him his current diagnosis of vocal cord paralysis. This can cause hoarseness, and difficulty breathing and swallowing.
Micah has many doctor and physical therapy appointments. He takes medicine every day to help keep his bladder safe and functioning appropriately; and he uses an NG tube to help him take in nutrition.
Micah will be adopted as a Sparrow to Mountain View High School. Students will work hard to earn money for Micah through sponsored community service, supporting him and cheering him on as he and his family continue to navigate his medical journey.
