ASHLAND — When Tiffany Kirk went to her 20-week ultrasound to find out whether she would be having a boy or a girl, she was not prepared for the bad news she was about to receive.

Mrs. Kirk and her husband, Austin, both 34, of Ashland, had decided a while back two children were enough, and Mrs. Kirk had her tubes tied. But after a while she came down with baby fever, and the couple decided to try again. They determined in-vitro fertilization would be their best option and were thrilled when the procedure was successful.

But when the Kirks found out they would be having a baby boy, they were also told their son has spina bifida, and the doctor said there was nothing they could do until he was born. The couple, however, could not take the news sitting down and began immediately making phone calls and doing research to see what they could do to help their son.

Spina bifida is a disorder involving incomplete development of the brain and spinal cord caused by failure of the fetus’ spine to close properly during the first month of pregnancy, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Infants with the disorder can be born with an open lesion on their spine, where there has been damage to the nerves and spinal cord. This nerve damage can lead to varying degrees of paralysis to the lower limbs. Individuals with the disorder may also develop hydrocephalus, a condition that occurs when spinal fluid builds up in the head and causes pressure within the brain that can be corrected through a surgical procedure known as shunting.

The couple decided to get a second opinion at the Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, where a doctor said London’s problems were with the lumbar region of his spine and in-utero surgery could be performed that could help increase his chances of survival and decrease the harmful effects of the disorder. This would also decrease London’s chances of needing a shunt placed in his brain.

After more consideration, the doctors at Vanderbilt decided the in-utero surgery was too risky and sent the couple home. There was a 40 percent chance London would not make it through the surgery, Mrs. Kirk said. Not willing to give up, the couple searched for someone to do the surgery and finally found a willing neurosurgeon.

“We’re praying for a miracle and that with this surgery he won’t need any more,” Mrs. Kirk said.

Mrs. Kirk and London underwent surgery on July 27, which happened to be the day of the Olympics opening ceremony in London.

“I don’t think anything like that is just coincidence,” Mrs. Kirk said.

The surgery was performed at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati, and mother and baby are doing fine.

“This has been a total spiritual journey, a total walk to faith,” Mrs. Kirk said. “God’s opened the door when we didn’t even know what to do. I know I can have peace that the rest of this is going to go well.”

Mrs. Kirk has to remain in Cincinnati until London is born and will be staying at the Ronald McDonald House. Her husband is a coal miner in Pike County and must travel regularly between Cincinnati and his home in Ashland to work and take care of their 13-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter. The challenges, however, have not dwindled their hopes.

Although it’s been a difficult journey so far and they know they still have a long way to go, the couple said friends and family have worked together to support them 100 percent of the way.

“People have been praying, and they’ve made T-shirts that say ‘I love London.’ I’d be surprised if they haven’t sold 500. It’s phenomenal,” Kirk said.

Mrs. Kirk said her sister, Stacey Stevens, created a Facebook community page where friends and community members can show their support for the Kirk family.

“People have rallied around this like he’s already theirs. There’s been such a huge response of community support. Somebody from everywhere is stepping in,” Mrs. Kirk said.

London’s official due date is Nov. 8, but his arrival will probably be much earlier to avoid further complications, the couple said.

To follow London’s progress, visit the London Wade Facebook community.

SHANNON MILLER can be reached at smiller@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2657.