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This handsome, energetic, animal loving young man is our precious Chase.
Chase has been beating the odds since he was born at just 24 weeks and weighing in at 0 pounds 14 ounces.
In addition to his prematurity, Chase was born with Hemifacial Microsomia (HFM).
HFM is a condition in which one side of the face is underdeveloped. For Chase, his right ear and cheekbone are affected. There is no known cause of HFM.
As a result of HFM, Chase was born with an ear difference, called Microtia. In layman's terms, Chase's right ear is underdeveloped.
Chase has been proudly rocking his "baby ear" while we waited for him to get bigger and healthier to be able to handle major reconstruction surgery.
The time has finally come that Chase has been given the go ahead by his medical team for reconstruction surgery.
Given the rarity of this condition, the surgeons who specialize in this condition are not local to us in small town GA.
We have spent hours upon hours researching, analyzing, joining multiple support groups/chats, meeting and consulting with surgeons all across the world to find the surgeon Chase deserves.
Dr. John Reinisch, in Beverly Hills CA, is Chase's perfect match. Dr. Reinisch developed MedPor, which is a polyethylene implant that is used along with a skin graft to create an ear. The material is porous therefore the surrounding blood vessels and skin will integrate with the material.
Dr. Reinisch will complete the whole reconstruction in one procedure!
Unfortunately, our health insurance is considered out of network for the surgeon. At this time, we are unsure how much if any they will cover. The current estimate on surgery and hearing aid placement are just over $70,000.
In addition to out of pocket costs for the procedure, we will need to stay in the CA area for up to three weeks following the procedure to ensure healing is going accordingly before flying home.
We appreciate your prayers and love as we navigate this journey!
You can follow Chase’s journey here;
*Any funds raised that exceed what is needed for Chase’s procedure will be donated to the Craniofacial Foundation to help other kids like Chase.