Hi, It’s Me, Banks

I’m 2 years old, and I need your help.

On October 7th, I will undergo a life-saving cranial vault reconstruction at LeBonheur Children’s Hospital with Dr. Klimo (neurosurgeon) and Dr. Evens (plastic surgeon).

What’s Happening Inside My Head

• I was born with something called sagittal craniosynostosis.

That means the bones in my skull closed too early, before my brain was done growing.

• When I was just 3 months old, I had surgery to open my skull, and I wore a helmet for a year to help my head shape.

But now things are scarier. My doctors say:

• The pressure inside my skull has built up dangerously high.

• My brain is pushing against my skull in imaging showing my skull is not functioning the way it should.

• My optic nerves and eyes are starting to atrophy (weaken and lose function) because of the pressure.

• There is very little cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) left around my brain, which makes me extremely high risk.

All of this means I need a big surgery called cranial vault reconstruction (CVR) right away. The doctors will reshape my skull so my brain has room to grow, lower the pressure, and protect my eyes and future.

Why I’m Scared (But Brave)

This surgery is long and complicated, and there are risks. But without it, my brain and eyes will keep being hurt by the pressure. I want the chance to grow up, run, play, and live a full life.

About Their Family

As Banks’ aunt, I want to share a little bit about the family you’re supporting. They are one of the most active, loving families I know.

His mom, Savana, is a nurse with the Collierville School District and also works at Youth Villages. His dad, Dan, is the owner and head soccer coach at Premier Training.

If they’re not on the soccer field, you’ll find them riding horses, biking through parks, roller skating, or out in the yard with their pet chickens. What makes them special isn’t just how active they are, it’s that they do everything together.

During Banks’ recovery, his parents will have to carefully work around each other’s schedules. One will take off work while the other is working, and then switch, so that at least one parent is always by his side if not both. It will be a hard season with long nights and tough days, but they will face it together as they always do.

With your help, Banks can get through this surgery and return to the joyful, active life he loves, surrounded by the people and even the chickens who love him most.

With gratitude,

Anna (Banks’ Aunt)

Key Facts About Craniosynostosis (Banks’ Condition)

• Rare condition:

Craniosynostosis happens in about 1 in 2,000–2,500 births.

• Sagittal type:

The most common form, but still rare the bones in the skull fuse too early, leaving no room for the brain to grow normally.

• Why it’s dangerous:

As the brain grows, the fused skull creates dangerous intracranial pressure. This can cause brain damage, developmental delays, seizures, or even be life-threatening if untreated.

• Eye damage:

The pressure can cause optic nerve atrophy, leading to vision loss or blindness.

• Brain function:

High pressure can flatten brain wave activity, showing the brain is struggling to function.

• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF):

When fluid levels get dangerously low, the brain has no cushion, increasing the risk of permanent injury or death.

• The only solution:

Surgery is the only way to relieve the pressure and reshape the skull so the brain has space to grow safely.