Arlee Brooks

Arlee Brooks has Treacher Collin's Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects the development of one's facial structure. Because of this condition, he was bron with a cleft palate, a very small jaw, and the possibility of hearing problems. Due to the small jaw, his tongue was too far back, causing him to have trouble breathing. When he was just a few days old, he was flown from Ruby Memorial Hospital to Pittsburgh Children's Hospital to have a major surgery to lengthen his jaw. The jaw distraction surgery involved the placement of lengthening devices into the jaw, which are pins that must be turned a few times a day for several weeks. Arlee has since completed the lengthening process and has now had the devices removed. Not long after removal, Arlee began to vomit, and it was discovered that he had Pyloric Stenosis, which is when the opening from the stomach into the intestine is blocked by muscle. He then had to undergo another surgery to correct this, and during this procedure, had a G-Tube placed, as well, for feeding. Arlee had been utilizing a feeding tube and is still having difficulty swallowing on his own. The G-Tube will allow Arlee to come home for the very first time! He is expecting more surgeries in the future to correct his cleft palate and have bone-anchored hearing aids placed. He has spent his first two months of life in the hospital, but has made wonderful progress! His mom and dad and big sister are looking forward to bringing him home! Please help this little fighter's family with their medical costs and travel expenses during this difficult time! Thank you!