Hello and thank you for visiting our fundraiser. Our son & daughter-in-law had their first daughter Isabella Christine on March 30th 2023. When she was born the pediatrician noticed the back of her skull was abnormally elongated. She received CT & MRI testing and was subsequently diagnosed with Sagittal Craniosynostosis. We learned that this is a relatively rare condition, occurring in about 1 in every 2,000 to 2,500 births, and that Isabella will need surgery to correct it. While surgery is always scary, we were blessed to learn that this condition is completely treatable & curable, and with the surgery Isabella will be able to have a normal and healthy childhood.

We are blessed that Isabella’s health insurance will cover the majority of expenses, but her parents will need to contribute $13,000 toward her medical expenses in order to reach her "out-of-pocket maximum" first. After that amount is paid, all of Isabella’s medical expenses will be covered. Any and all help is so greatly appreciated, and will help the family focus on Isabella’s health.

Please help us support Isabella, Nicholas, and Olivia - The donations received will help pay for her Endoscopic Strip Craniectomy surgery, as well as the expenses in “helmeting” Isabella for the next 6-12 months. All financial support will directly help her achieve a happy and healthy childhood.

Isabella's surgery is currently scheduled for June 27th, 2023. This link will provide all the details about this surgery: https://www.seattlechildrens.org/clinics/craniofacial/services/endoscopic-strip-craniectomy/

After her surgery, Isabella will wear a corrective helmet for 6-12 months. This is to allow for her skull to reshape with normal and healthy proportions.

We will be documenting Isabella’s recovery on her CaringBridge site: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/isabellakrauss

The surgery will be performed at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip, NY by Dr. Rachel Ruotolo and Dr. David Phillips. Their credentials are included below. Needless to say we are so thankful that Isabella will be receiving care from some of the best surgeons on Long Island.

-Dr. Rachel A. Ruotolo is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in pediatric plastic and craniofacial surgery. She has held the title of Vice President at New York Plastic Surgical Group, a Division of Long Island Plastic Surgical Group since 2013 and has been a partner at the practice since 2010. In addition, she is currently the co-director of Cohen Children’s Hagedorn Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Center.

-Dr. Dr. David Phillips is an Adult and Pediatric Neurosurgeon, and the Medical Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Good Samaritan University Hospital. He is an experienced neurosurgeon, with additional expertise in epilepsy surgery, hydrocephalus, and minimally invasive surgery.

Sagittal craniosynostosis is a condition where the bones of the skull fuse too early. The head of a child with craniosynostosis may appear misshapen or asymmetrical. This condition often occurs in newborn children when the fibrous joints between the skull bones, called cranial sutures, fuse together too early before the brain has had a chance to reach its full size. Sagittal craniosynostosis is the most common type of craniosynostosis, accounting for around 40% to 55% of craniosynostosis cases. It specifically occurs when the sagittal suture fuses too early, resulting in elongation of the skull – as can be seen in Isabella’s photos.

We are reaching out to everyone who may want to make a difference in Isabella's life. Whether you know her or not, every donation will help to make a difference in her journey. Please consider supporting our family during this difficult time. Together, we can help change Isabella’s life and her future. Thank you for help, as we strive to reach our fundraising goal!