LAPLACE — When John and Whitney Bourg found out they were expecting their first child, they “leaped with joy.”

That joy turned to dismay a few months later, however, when the Bourgs learned  their baby boy, already named Luke Peter, had Spina Bifida.

Whitney underwent surgery June 8, during which doctors successfully closed little Luke’s spine in utero. Now she is on complete bed rest until her due date in September.

“The main thing is to keep her pregnant for 36 weeks,” said Tammy Esponge, a longtime family friend. “The main danger now is pre-term labor.”

With Whitney unable to work and the family already facing a slew of medical bills, friends have put together a fundraiser to help.

“Leap for Luke” will be held from 2-7 p.m. Sunday at Baba’s Main Street Grill, 509 Main St. in LaPlace.

The event will feature two live bands, a cook off contest, raffles and door prizes. T-shirts also will be sold.

The Harold Warren Band will play from 1-3 p.m. Shot Time will play from 4-6:30 p.m.

Raffle tickets will be sold in packs of eight for $5. Grand prize tickets are $10. The grand prize is an offshore charter fishing trip for four, and the second prize is an inshore fishing trip for four.

The cost is $30 and includes food and music. A cash bar will be available. Teams wishing to compete in the cooking contest may still register, including the day of the event.

“We know they are going to face a lot of medical bills even after Luke is born,” Esponge said. “We hope this will help a lot.”

For information call Esponge at 504-235-9541 or email tammyesponge@aagno.biz.