Culture of life: Community unites to support family expecting baby with disabilities

Seth and Kayla Fifer of Angola, Indiana, were excitedly preparing to welcome their baby girl into the world when they were hit with unimaginable news: their preborn daughter was diagnosed with three separate rare brain diseases and a kidney disorder. With the sobering news that their child likely has Dandy-Walker Syndrome, Polymicrogyria, and Schizencephaly came the realization that their little girl will likely experience seizures, have limited cognitive ability, and have disabilities that may prevent her from walking and talking on her own.

It is difficult for any parents to receive a diagnosis of disabilities for their baby, but in the face of it all, the Fifers have received generous assistance from their local community. Businesses and individuals alike have rallied to help the Fifers so that they will be able to give their young daughter all the care and attention she needs.

Recognizing that the family will face significant financial challenges, friend Evan Howe sprang to action and organized a fundraiser to help offset some of the Fifers’ expected medical bills. In collaboration with several local businesses and the police department, he arranged for donation jars to be placed around town and helped to organize a silent auction at the Brokaw Movie House. Another friend set up a GoFundMe page for the family. The outpouring of support from the Angola community to aid the Fifers in their time of need is an amazing example of a true pro-life response in the face of a difficult prenatal diagnosis.

READ: Thanks to prenatal screening, newborn receives life-saving treatment for spinal muscular atrophy

“I just think we’re really blessed here and we have great people there are a lot of really just amazing people with big hearts in our community,” Brokaw Movie House’s General Manager, Taylor Kerner told WANE News. “I think when something like this happens, or really anything, I’ve seen big and small things happen throughout the years people are just, they’re so willing to just jump right in and do whatever they can to help.”

As the Fifers prepare to welcome their daughter in March, Seth acknowledged the generous community spirit. “It’s helped us a lot knowing that there is support through our community to just help us be there for us,” he said. “All those little things really help take our mind off it, help us get through it a little bit.”

Sadly, a prenatal diagnosis that includes such disabilities often leads doctors to push parents into an abortion. Prenatal screening should be used exactly as it was by the Fifers — to prepare and plan for their baby’s needs.

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