More than 16 years ago, in May 1999, Massachusetts teen James Sprissler underwent a pioneering and life-altering procedure at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. But Sprissler's surgery was not like most surgeries. Sprissler, a Stoughton native who was diagnosed with spina bifida while in his mother's womb, underwent surgery in utero.
Decades ago, there was not much a pregnant mother could do to help her unborn child diagnosed with spina bifida or other rare birth defects. But, thanks to medical advances and the work of some pioneering doctors, the possibility of fetal surgery today offers hope to families like the Sprisslers awaiting babies with difficult diagnoses.
BOSTON – A small crowd that gathered Tuesday evening to weigh in on the potential elimination of the MBTA's late-night weekend transit service spoke nearly unanimously in favor of saving the costly option.
Kenzie Bok, who said she is a 26-year-old lifelong resident of Boston's Bay Village, said she reviewed her calendar over the past 10 weeks and tallied up nine times when she had used late-night service. She estimated spending about $10 or $15 for every extra hour of socializing she gained by being able to rely on the extended service.
