Ellie Fontanetta age 10
SPINA BIFIDA
10-year-old Ellie Fontanetta was diagnosed with
a severe form of Spina Bifida when her mother
Nikki was in her 20th week of pregnancy. Within
an hour of her birth, Ellie was rushed to Lurie
Children’s former facility, Children’s Memorial Hospital, where she received
care from a team of neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, and urologists at the
hospital’s Spina Bifida Center. Ellie’s spinal cord was exposed, and her back
needed to be closed immediately to avoid further nerve damage. She underwent
two surgeries within her first few days of life.
Over the years, Ellie has undergone numerous surgeries, including procedures for
such issues as hydrocephalus, bowel and bladder dysfunction