Spina bifida is the most common cause of lifelong childhood paralysis in the United States; approximately four children are born with this spinal defect every day. Standard care usually involves surgery, but it still leaves more than half of children unable to walk. But a combination of surgery and stem cell treatment may offer hope to children. In this episode of Unfold, we examine the world’s first human clinical trial using stem cells before birth to treat the most serious form of the disease. 

In this episode:

Diana Farmer, pediatric surgeon and chair of surgery at UC Davis Health

Maya Evans, medical director of the Shriners Spina Bifida program and associate professor in the department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at UC Davis

Michelle Johnson, mother of baby enrolled in spina bifida clinical trial 

Jeff Maginnis, father of baby enrolled in spina bifida clinical trial