Kelly’s 22-week ultra sound came with a whirlwind of emotions. There was absolute joy learning she would be having a baby girl. And there was true fear as Kelly and her husband, Brad, learned that little Gracelynn’s ventricles were larger than normal and that she may not survive. Later that week, a High Risk OBGYN informed them that Gracelynn would survive but with some challenges.

Before she was even born, little Gracelynn was diagnosed with Spina Bifida and hydrocephalus.

Even though Kelly and Brad were told the worst scenarios about what Gracelynn would, or would not, be able to do, the parents felt unsure about what to expect. One thing they did know was that whatever happened, they would make the best of it.  And so little Gracelynn was born 5 weeks early and spent her first 18 days in the NICU at Nationwide Children’s. Soon she began receiving her care through our Spina Bifida program.

Myelomeningocele Clinic’s Spina Bifida Program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital provides comprehensive, long-term treatment services to individuals with spinal abnormalities. Patients of the clinic may be seen by a variety of specialties which may include: Developmental Pediatrics, Genetics, Neuropsychology, Neurosurgery, Occupational Therapy, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, Physical Medicine, Physical Therapy, Social Work, and Urology. Even though Gracelynn is only three, she has been seen by several specialists and has had multiple surgeries including skull reconstructive surgery.

“Children’s has always been there for us with unexpected ER visits, numerous appointments with specialists, and endless therapies. Her doctors have eased mommy’s mind and reassured me she will be alright. Her therapists have given my daughter the tools to become more independent. We are so lucky to have a great hospital and close to home facilities so close to us,” says Kelly.

Gracelynn may be small, and the challenges she has faced, and will face, big, but her strength, personality, and matching radiant smile are much, much bigger. “We have the sweetest daughter ever.  She has beaten all odds and shown us what life truly means. Her personality and smile light up the room,” adds Kelly.

Gracelynn loves the color pink and Minnie Mouse. She also loves to sing and tell stories that start out with “Once Upon a Time…” She is the biggest cheerleader ever for her brothers and sister and will definitely be an amazing cheerleader for the participants who pass through her mile at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & ½ Marathon.

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• Name: Gracelynn D.Gracelynn Dutton
• Condition(s): Spina Bifida
• Age at Treatment: At birth
• Age Today: 12/18/201211 Years

Kelly’s 22-week ultra sound came with a whirlwind of emotions. There was absolute joy learning she would be having a baby girl. And there was true fear as Kelly and her husband, Brad, learned that little Gracelynn’s ventricles were larger than normal and that she may not survive. Later that week, a High Risk OBGYN informed them that Gracelynn would survive but with some challenges.

Before she was even born, little Gracelynn was diagnosed with Spina Bifida and hydrocephalus.

Even though Kelly and Brad were told the worst scenarios about what Gracelynn would, or would not, be able to do, the parents felt unsure about what to expect. One thing they did know was that whatever happened, they would make the best of it.  And so little Gracelynn was born 5 weeks early and spent her first 18 days in the NICU at Nationwide Children’s. Soon she began receiving her care through our Spina Bifida program.

Myelomeningocele Clinic’s Spina Bifida Program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital provides comprehensive, long-term treatment services to individuals with spinal abnormalities. Patients of the clinic may be seen by a variety of specialties which may include: Developmental Pediatrics, Genetics, Neuropsychology, Neurosurgery, Occupational Therapy, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, Physical Medicine, Physical Therapy, Social Work, and Urology. Even though Gracelynn is only three, she has been seen by several specialists and has had multiple surgeries including skull reconstructive surgery.

“Children’s has always been there for us with unexpected ER visits, numerous appointments with specialists, and endless therapies. Her doctors have eased mommy’s mind and reassured me she will be alright. Her therapists have given my daughter the tools to become more independent. We are so lucky to have a great hospital and close to home facilities so close to us,” says Kelly.

Gracelynn may be small, and the challenges she has faced, and will face, big, but her strength, personality, and matching radiant smile are much, much bigger. “We have the sweetest daughter ever.  She has beaten all odds and shown us what life truly means. Her personality and smile light up the room,” adds Kelly.

Gracelynn loves the color pink and Minnie Mouse. She also loves to sing and tell stories that start out with “Once Upon a Time…” She is the biggest cheerleader ever for her brothers and sister and will definitely be an amazing cheerleader for the participants who pass through her mile at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & ½ Marathon.