Hearts for Helmets

Hi friends,

We recently found out our son, Henry has something called Craniosynostosis. A condition in which one or more of the fibrous sutures in a babies skull prematurely fuses shut thereby changing the growth pattern of the skull.

The incredible doctors at sick kids will be preforming skull reconstruction surgery to treat Henry’s Craniosynostosis. Once the procedure is completed he will need to wear a helmet to help his skull properly reshape.

While at sick kids, we discovered there are other babies and families going through this same thing or something similar however, are opting not move forward with treatment simply because they cannot afford a helmet for their child. A child with Craniosynostosis left untreated could result in intracranial pressure (pressure inside the skull) which can lead to developmental delays as well as permanent head and facial deformities. In severe cases, the build-up of pressure in a child's skull can also cause seizures, blindness and brain damage. A helmet cost is $2,600 and not covered under OHIP or insurance.

While we are fortunate enough to purchase a helmet for our son post surgery, there are many families who cannot. This inspired us to help at least one family get their baby a helmet. It is incredibly hard to find out something is wrong with your baby. I can’t imagine not being able to help them. Let’s work together to help other babies get the help they need.