Help Dutch's Family Through Surgery and Recovery

My sweet nephew, Dutch, was born with a very rare leg condition that affected his right leg, called Congenital Posteromedial Tibial/Fibula Bowing. Dutch’s parents, Russ and Sierra, were told that he would likely need multiple surgeries throughout his life to correct the deformities in his leg. He has been wearing a boot to help him walk since he was 15 months.

After diligently searching for a doctor experienced with this specific condition, they found one in Orlando, FL. After several Zoom consultations over the past few months, they traveled to Orlando for in-person X-rays and to better understand what will need to be done for Dutch. The doctor recommended starting treatment soon, but advised not to wait too long. As Dutch just turned two, his first surgery is scheduled for early March.

Dutch has a rare and severe form of this condition, and the family must travel from their home in California to Orlando for specialized care. His surgery will take place in March, and Dutch will need to stay in Orlando throughout the entire lengthening period, which is estimated to last 10–12 weeks. Russ, Sierra, and Dutch’s little brother will all stay in Orlando until Russ must return to work, after which he will visit as much as possible.

Dutch will be in the hospital for 2–4 days post-surgery and will then begin physical therapy 1–2 hours a day, Monday through Friday. He will also have follow-up appointments every two weeks. During this time, he will have an external fixator and will be in the leg-lengthening phase. Once the desired bone length and position are achieved, he will be cleared to return home to California.

Once back home, Dutch will need X-rays taken and sent to the doctor every 4–6 weeks, and he will continue physical therapy three times a week. After the doctor determines that the bones have fully healed (which will take 2–4 months), the family will return to Orlando to have the external fixator removed. Dutch will need a cast and possibly a wire if the doctor detects any signs of weakness (thin bone). The cast will stay on for 4–6 weeks, and once the X-rays show full healing, they will return to Orlando to have it removed. After this, they will return to Orlando annually for check-ups. When Dutch becomes a teenager, he will require another treatment, which he will have input on.

Dutch’s surgery and recovery will be a long and challenging journey for the family, so I am asking for your support during this time. There are many costs that will not be covered by insurance, including travel, housing, and potential loss of income. Russ hopes to travel back to Orlando on weekends .

We hope to ease the financial burden that Russ and Sierra will face so that they can focus on Dutch’s recovery and their family. We deeply appreciate your prayers and support during this time. Any contribution helps, and the family is incredibly grateful for your generosity, prayers, and encouragement.