Family needs help to fund baby’s surgery
The Bennett family of West Maui needs help to fund surgery for baby Reilly Makana Bennett.
Born on Jan. 23, 2013, Reilly has been diagnosed with Unilateral Coronal Craniosynostosis.
In an infant, the skull is not a solid piece of bone, but several bony plates separated by flimsy sutures. These sutures allow the skull to expand as the brain grows, eventually fusing to form a solid skull.
Craniosynostosis is a condition in which one or more of these sutures fuse prematurely, causing restricted skull and brain growth. Without surgery, the fused suture can cause intracranial pressure that can lead to seizures, vision loss or permanent brain damage.
Surgery is the necessary treatment for Craniosynostosis, to allow room for normal skull and brain growth.
The good news is that Reilly will receive surgical treatment by Pediatric Craniofacial Surgeon Dr. Jeffery Fearon at Medical City Hospital in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Fearon is one of the leading craniofacial specialists in the country.
The challenge for the Bennett family is raising $45,000 to pay for the procedure.
“We appreciate you being a part of Reilly’s future in any way that you can, whether through financial help, prayers or just spreading the word about Craniosynostosis,” the family noted on the website www.reillybennett.com/ that document’s Reilly’s journey.
“The price tag for this journey is overwhelming to say the least, but, like any parents, we want him to have the best care available, and we believe that’s what Dr. Fearon can provide.”
Head to the website to learn more about Reilly, and how you can help. Donations may be mailed to Nick and Jenny Bennett, P.O. Box 12701, Lahaina, HI 96761.
Members of Kumulani Chapel are already on board.
“We want to encourage you to visit their website and see how you can be a part of this Journey, whether it’s through Effective, Fervent Prayer (James 5:16) or through financial support, or perhaps you have encouragement or insight you can share with Nick and Jenny,” chapel staff noted in an e-mail to members last week.
“We hope you’ll check it out and consider how you can be of help to this sweet family.”