Hayden's Big Ear

Thank you everyone for taking the time to visit this page. It means a lot to our family that you have taken the time to read about what we are trying to do for Hayden. ❤️  

What we are trying to do:
A procedure for Hayden in which he would get a BAHA (hearing device) on the left side, Medpor ear (ear reconstruction), and fat grafting on the left side to improve symmetry. This can all be done in ONE OUTPATIENT SURGERY at any age. The surgeon we have already connected with is able to schedule Hayden whenever we are ready.


Hayden's current medical conditions and struggles:
Hayden was born with a genetic syndrome called Hemifacial Microsomia. This is a congential condition that affects one side of a persons face. The affect side remains underdeveloped. The severity can range significantly. For Hayden, he has microtia (underdeveloped/misshaped ear) and atresia (no opening for the ear canal) on the left side.  We know that Hayden can hear from his right side but at this time, he cannot from his left. 


Why we decided against the other option:
The other option available to Hayden was a rib craft procedure. With that option, surgeons would use  some of his rib cartilage to build an ear for him. This would be done over 2-4 surgeries starting at age 10. This option is lengthy, more risky and has a longer and more painful healing process. We would need a separate surgery for the BAHA. 
We also do not want to go with this option because Hayden has already had TEN surgeries. He just turned 5 years old. He has spent so much of his life so far in or visiting hospitals. 

Financial Part:
The only thing that is holding us back is the cost. Hayden's insurance will not cover this surgery. We have tried many times, we now have accepted that it will not be paid for by his insurance.  The total cost for the procedure is $70,050. We have been awarded $15,000 from an Ear Foundation. We are so very thankful for that donation.  We now have reached a point where we are asking for additional financial help. This is not an easy thing for our family to do but we are asking for your help in helping us reach our financial goal so we can get Hayden his "Big Ear" and help him hear on both sides. 


Here are some links that provide additional information on what we are trying to do for Hayden. 

Microtia:
https://earcommunity.org/microtiaatresia/faqs-about-microtia/
Hemifacial Microsomia: https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/6582/hemifacial-microsomia
Medpor Ear:
https://www.drjohnreinisch.com/microtia-treatment/medpor
BAHA:
https://www.healthyhearing.com/help/hearing-aids/bone-anchored


Thank you all very much.

Love, 
Ross, Sheila and Hayden Libby

DONATION OPTIONS:

We have opened an account at The First Bank that will be available to people who would rather donate directly to our family. This account will be ready to be used on Saturday morning. To donate to this account just visit a local branch of The First Bank and ask about donating to the account "Sheila Libby for Hayden".