HELP Hazel!

This is Hazel Loretta Mauney. Since before this girl was born she has been a fighter, doing things her own way and finding her way in the world (my kind of girl).

Life has presented Hazel with some challenges. Aside from being born tongue-tied, which made it difficult for her to eat (and very painful for her mom to feed her), Hazel's parents were told that their daughter may have Craniosynostosis.

Craniosynostosis is a condition that occurs when the sutures of the skull fuse prematurely in utero. The premature fusing causes the skull and facial bones to change from normal and symmetrical to a misshapen appearance in order to accommodate babie's growing brain. If left untreated, Craniosynostosis also can cause problems with normal brain development and seziure disorders.

Hazel was referred to Lurie Children's Hospital when she was just two weeks old, and received the official diagnosis at 5 weeks that she would need to have corrective surgery.

The procedure to correct Hazel’s Craniosynostosis is scheduled for later this month and, if all goes as planned, her pain is easily managed, and she is eating normally, Hazel will be discharged Thanksgiving Day.

Once home, keeping Hazel comfortable post-surgery will be the primary focus for her parents. The recovery process includes a two week long process of monitoring her pain, and keeping steady, gentle pressure on the back of her head to help re-shape her skull.

Hazel will have to sleep in her car seat, which - like most babies - she HATES.

As scary as all this is not having this procedure is even worse. As Hazel's father put it:

“Hazel will, most assuredly, hurt from time to time. That cannot be avoided. What this procedure can do is ensure that she isn't limited in form or function by her own body. That is the danger we face. That is why this procedure to undo her craniosynostosis is not a choice.
Watching our bright, happy and strong daughter fade into herself would be the most painful sin I can imagine.”
- Chauncey Alexander Davis-Mauney
(Hazel’s Father)

When I first heard about all the challenges Hazel was facing, my first thought was Alex has already exhausted all of his parental leave when Hazel was first born. With the pending surgery, Alex and Sarah would both like to be there as support for little Hazel, and to support each other during this incredibly stressful time.

It is my hope that among friends we can help this family out by at least covering one month's rent of their apartment (no penalty for going over).

All other contributions will go to cover:
1. Copayments.
2. Travel Expenses.
3. Any prescriptions/medications needed.
4. Unexpected bills.