A Smile for Levi
Donation protected
This crowd funding campaign was created with the goal of providing a little boy with the greatest gift in the world-
'The ability to 'SMILE' for the very first time!'
Levi was born with an extremely rare neurological disorder called ‘MOEBIUS SYNDROME’. This syndrome affects on average '2 in a million' babies world-wide, and there is no cure. It occurs sporadically & has no known cause. Moebius is recognised primarily by FACIAL PARALYSIS.
Levi has never been able to SMILE, frown, pucker his lips, raise his eyebrows, close his eyelids completely or show any type of natural facial expression. He has the exact same emotions and feelings as you and I, but is often misinterpreted for being submissive, unfriendly, dull or uninterested because of his paralysis.
His inability to close his mouth presents many complications. Unclear speech and communication difficulties greatly affect Levi's social interactions with peers. Daily excessive drooling is a reality without medication, and our son has been wearing bibs since birth.
Levi was also diagnosed with a condition called Talipes, often referred to as 'club foot' and commonly associated with Moebius individuals
Recently we have been fortunate to come across a miracle man in our eyes, by the name of Dr. Andre. Panossian who is based in California. This particular surgeon belongs to an elite group of highly trained doctors who has absolute expertise in facial plastic surgery & paralysis. He is one of only a handful of surgeons in the world with the experience & knowledge to help children with Moebius. Dr. Panossian has informed us personally that he is excited to be able to help change Levi's life with a surgery called ‘Lengthening Temporalis Myoplasty’ (smile surgery). This particular surgery is not available in Australia.
The advantages of having this surgery is improved speech, reduced drooling and without a doubt self-confidence for Levi. It will enable him the ability to show emotion & express himself. It will mean social acceptance for Levi, less chance of bullying & greater opportunities for employment and relationships in the future. The list is endless. Levi will have therapy sessions to learn how to control his long awaited smile.
This life changing smile surgery has many expenses- Theatre, Dr's fees, anesthetist, consultations, post operative care nurse, recovery stay, and any unforseen hospitalisation costs related to potential complications post surgery will be approximately $80,000 AUD.
Something we, as a family will do everything in our power to meet the target. We will be fundraising and at the same time raising some much needed awareness for MOEBIUS SYNDROME.
If you can help us in any way you can, your donation will go directly towards providing Levi with 'The opportunity to 'SMILE' just like you and I!'
Please share this post so Levi can reach his goal. Visit our website www.asmileforlevi.com for more info on Moebius Syndrome, Smile surgery, and most importantly to gain an insight into our little boy Levi who has captured our hearts, and the hearts of those all around him.
Deciding to create a go fund me page was an incredibly difficult decision. For those that know our family will know we are very private. Regardless of the outcome we are committed. What got us over the line was knowing we have an opportunity to create awareness, to get people talking and speak up about disabilities, aswell as educating at the same time whilst fundraising. ❤
'The ability to 'SMILE' for the very first time!'
Levi was born with an extremely rare neurological disorder called ‘MOEBIUS SYNDROME’. This syndrome affects on average '2 in a million' babies world-wide, and there is no cure. It occurs sporadically & has no known cause. Moebius is recognised primarily by FACIAL PARALYSIS.
Levi has never been able to SMILE, frown, pucker his lips, raise his eyebrows, close his eyelids completely or show any type of natural facial expression. He has the exact same emotions and feelings as you and I, but is often misinterpreted for being submissive, unfriendly, dull or uninterested because of his paralysis.
His inability to close his mouth presents many complications. Unclear speech and communication difficulties greatly affect Levi's social interactions with peers. Daily excessive drooling is a reality without medication, and our son has been wearing bibs since birth.
Levi was also diagnosed with a condition called Talipes, often referred to as 'club foot' and commonly associated with Moebius individuals
Recently we have been fortunate to come across a miracle man in our eyes, by the name of Dr. Andre. Panossian who is based in California. This particular surgeon belongs to an elite group of highly trained doctors who has absolute expertise in facial plastic surgery & paralysis. He is one of only a handful of surgeons in the world with the experience & knowledge to help children with Moebius. Dr. Panossian has informed us personally that he is excited to be able to help change Levi's life with a surgery called ‘Lengthening Temporalis Myoplasty’ (smile surgery). This particular surgery is not available in Australia.
The advantages of having this surgery is improved speech, reduced drooling and without a doubt self-confidence for Levi. It will enable him the ability to show emotion & express himself. It will mean social acceptance for Levi, less chance of bullying & greater opportunities for employment and relationships in the future. The list is endless. Levi will have therapy sessions to learn how to control his long awaited smile.
This life changing smile surgery has many expenses- Theatre, Dr's fees, anesthetist, consultations, post operative care nurse, recovery stay, and any unforseen hospitalisation costs related to potential complications post surgery will be approximately $80,000 AUD.
Something we, as a family will do everything in our power to meet the target. We will be fundraising and at the same time raising some much needed awareness for MOEBIUS SYNDROME.
If you can help us in any way you can, your donation will go directly towards providing Levi with 'The opportunity to 'SMILE' just like you and I!'
Please share this post so Levi can reach his goal. Visit our website www.asmileforlevi.com for more info on Moebius Syndrome, Smile surgery, and most importantly to gain an insight into our little boy Levi who has captured our hearts, and the hearts of those all around him.
Deciding to create a go fund me page was an incredibly difficult decision. For those that know our family will know we are very private. Regardless of the outcome we are committed. What got us over the line was knowing we have an opportunity to create awareness, to get people talking and speak up about disabilities, aswell as educating at the same time whilst fundraising. ❤
Organizer
Julie Nikolic
Organizer
Kippa-Ring QLD
