Give the Gift of Hearing and Confidence – Emery’s Microtia Surgery

My name is Amy and I'm Emery's Auntie. If you haven't had the fortune to meet Emery, she's a spunky, outgoing, and loving little 4-year-old. Emery was born with a rare craniofacial condition called Unilateral Microtia and Aural Atresia. This means that one of her ears is underdeveloped and it doesn't have an opening or a canal. As a result, Emery has severe conductive hearing loss in her right ear and has used a BAHA (bone-anchored hearing aid) on a headband since she received it at 9 months old. While her left ear formed normally, it is in the normal to mild hearing loss range.

To provide Emery with every opportunity available, the Crichton family has chosen a “total communication” approach, which includes using both ASL (American Sign Language) and a hearing aid so she’s set up for success throughout her life, regardless of her hearing levels.

After lots of research, they discovered Dr. Sheryl Lewin, who specializes in reconstructive surgery for people born with Microtia, and have decided to move forward with the surgery.

The “3D Lewin Ear Implant” is made up of a 3-dimensional single piece of porous polyethylene that will be modeled after her left ear. The implant is completely covered with nearby tissue from under the scalp called the temporoparietal fascia (“TPF flap”), which has arteries, veins, and nerves that grow into the implant and give sensation to the skin grafts that cover the ear. When fully healed, a complete ear is made in one operation.

Emery’s surgery is scheduled for June 17, 2026, and will be approximately 8 hours long. During the reconstructive surgery, they will also be implanting an Osia bone conduction hearing device. The Crichton family will be flying to LA for her initial 3D ear scan, then flying back for the surgery itself. They are required to stay in the area for two weeks following the surgery to attend post-op appointments and ensure her ear is healing properly.

While the Crichton family is making every effort to get some of the cost covered by insurance, they have recently been told that it is highly unlikely to be approved, so they’ve been saving for the full cost. Emery does not receive Medicaid or disability, so they would be responsible for the entirety of the cash rate. All money raised will be used toward Emery’s surgery, as well as transportation and accommodation needs during that time.

Surgery and associated costs include:

We’re hoping to alleviate some of the financial burden from the Crichton family and are so grateful for any contributions to help Emery’s journey.

If you would like to avoid the GoFundMe fees, you can donate directly to the Crichton family via Venmo @Allie-Crichton