Help Caleb Hear

Story

Ryan and Jessica's son Caleb was born with Bi-Lateral Microtia Atresia, a congenital defect in which the external ears are not developed at birth. Microtia Atresia is rare, affecting only about one of every 25,000 babies born annually. Caleb's microtia is categorized as a Grade 3 - one of the more severe as there was no development of either ear canals. As such, for the past four years, Caleb has used cochlear baha sound processors utilizing bone conduction to hear. Due to the severity, Caleb's condition has had effects on his hearing, speech patterns and language processing skills. In June, Caleb will undergo the first of several life-changing surgeries to address both the inner ear structure as well as the external ear deformity. The second surgery will take place in November. In addition to the 8-10 hour surgery, Caleb will undergo a long 5 week post-surgery recovery while staying in California in which he is not able to put any pressure on the ear (either when awake or asleep).Unfortunately, insurance has declined the application for the procedure and costs are expected to be upwards of $200,000 for all surgeries. Ryan and Jessica are trying to appeal, but due to the time sensitivity of the surgery, are proceeding with paying medical bills and lodging expenses out of pocket. This page was set up to help offset their financial worries so that they can focus on the health and recovery of their son. Any donation made will go directly towards medical expenses. We cannot thank you enough for your love and support over the next 6-7 months as Caleb finishes all surgeries and the recovery process!

by Jen Podkasik
Donation protected

Ryan and Jessica's son Caleb was born with Bi-Lateral Microtia Atresia, a congenital defect in which the external ears are not developed at birth. Microtia Atresia is rare, affecting only about one of every 25,000 babies born annually. 

Caleb's microtia is categorized as a Grade 3 - one of the more severe as there was no development of either ear canals. As such, for the past four years, Caleb has used cochlear baha sound processors utilizing bone conduction to hear. Due to the severity, Caleb's condition has had effects on his hearing, speech patterns and language processing skills. 

In June, Caleb will undergo the first of several life-changing surgeries to address both the inner ear structure as well as the external ear deformity. The second surgery will take place in November. In addition to the 8-10 hour surgery, Caleb will undergo a long 5 week post-surgery recovery while staying in California in which he is not able to put any pressure on the ear (either when awake or asleep).

Unfortunately, insurance has declined the application for the procedure and costs are expected to be upwards of $200,000 for all surgeries. Ryan and Jessica are trying to appeal, but due to the time sensitivity of the surgery, are proceeding with paying medical bills and lodging expenses out of pocket. 

This page was set up to help offset their financial worries so that they can focus on the health and recovery of their son. Any donation made will go directly towards medical expenses. 

We cannot thank you enough for your love and support over the next 6-7 months as Caleb finishes all surgeries and the recovery process!
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    Organizer and beneficiary

    Jen Podkasik
    Organizer
    Naperville, IL
    Ryan Poirier
    Beneficiary

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