Russ needs a Nuss
Donation protected
Russell is the middle of three great sons. He tends to be an introvert until he gets to know you. Once that happens, you may need to look for an off switch. Just to let you know, there isn’t one! He looks up to his older brother and is a great role model to his younger brother. He’s very smart: he doesn’t think inside the box. He thinks outside the box as he runs around it! Russell loves to build computers, play video games, skeet shoot, play guitar, and sing! He volunteers with the local Sons of the American Legion Squadron and intends on running for Sgt-at-Arms this summer. At only 14, he has more compassion and kindness than most adults.
Russell has an orthopedic condition known as Pectus excavatum. It’s more commonly known as sunken chest. This condition causes his chest cavity to grow inward and can wreak havoc on a child’s heart, lungs, and psyche. Due to the sunken chest cavity, the heart can shift and the lungs can’t expand to full capacity. The appearance can cause children to have low self-esteem and fear of being picked on by other kids. After talking to Russell for 5 minutes, you will understand his condition only impacts the former two and not the latter!
The procedure to correct this is called the Nuss Procedure. In its simplest explanation, the doctors will insert a bar into the chest cavity and pop it out. They will anchor it down and the bar will remain in place for up to 3 years before the doctors take it out. In essence, this allows the ribs to form in the correct manner as the patient continues to grow.
As you have probably guessed by now, Russell has been approved to have this procedure in May! Given he is an asthmatic, any limited lung capacity is detrimental. This procedure will allow him more “breathing room”.
He knows how painful this procedure will be and the only impact to his psyche is the fact that, and these are his words, “I’ll be losing my portable cereal bowl!” He has a wonderful outlook on the whole situation as he knows, in the end, it will improve his quality of life. He actually wonders if he’ll get light-headed and pass out the first time he’s able to take a full, complete breath. His sense of humor is amazing!
We are hoping and praying for some help covering the medical expenses. As a testament to his kindness and generosity, Russell has asked that any funds exceeding our goal be given to Children’s Medical Center, Augusta to help defray the costs for other children needing Nuss Procedures. Gives you an idea why he really needs this: his heart is getting too big for his chest! Any help you can give is greatly appreciated!!
And if you want to tell your friends about it, just tell them: “RUSS NEEDS A NUSS!”
Russell has an orthopedic condition known as Pectus excavatum. It’s more commonly known as sunken chest. This condition causes his chest cavity to grow inward and can wreak havoc on a child’s heart, lungs, and psyche. Due to the sunken chest cavity, the heart can shift and the lungs can’t expand to full capacity. The appearance can cause children to have low self-esteem and fear of being picked on by other kids. After talking to Russell for 5 minutes, you will understand his condition only impacts the former two and not the latter!
The procedure to correct this is called the Nuss Procedure. In its simplest explanation, the doctors will insert a bar into the chest cavity and pop it out. They will anchor it down and the bar will remain in place for up to 3 years before the doctors take it out. In essence, this allows the ribs to form in the correct manner as the patient continues to grow.
As you have probably guessed by now, Russell has been approved to have this procedure in May! Given he is an asthmatic, any limited lung capacity is detrimental. This procedure will allow him more “breathing room”.
He knows how painful this procedure will be and the only impact to his psyche is the fact that, and these are his words, “I’ll be losing my portable cereal bowl!” He has a wonderful outlook on the whole situation as he knows, in the end, it will improve his quality of life. He actually wonders if he’ll get light-headed and pass out the first time he’s able to take a full, complete breath. His sense of humor is amazing!
We are hoping and praying for some help covering the medical expenses. As a testament to his kindness and generosity, Russell has asked that any funds exceeding our goal be given to Children’s Medical Center, Augusta to help defray the costs for other children needing Nuss Procedures. Gives you an idea why he really needs this: his heart is getting too big for his chest! Any help you can give is greatly appreciated!!
And if you want to tell your friends about it, just tell them: “RUSS NEEDS A NUSS!”
Organizer
Jennifer Evans
Organizer
Augusta, GA
