Help Emiliano Walk Tall: Support His Surgery Journey

I am writing to share the story of my son, Emiliano, who was diagnosed with Ollier's disease at the age of six. Ollier's disease is a rare skeletal condition characterized by abnormal bone development. In Emiliano’s case, it has resulted in his right leg being approximately three inches shorter than his left leg.

Since his diagnosis, Emiliano has been under the care of the Shriners Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. He has been a patient there for the past eight years, and during this time, he has received exceptional care. Emiliano has been wearing a lift in his right shoe, and we are grateful to report that, on June 4th of this year, he will be undergoing surgery to lengthen his right leg. Thankfully, Shriners Hospital has never charged us for any of his medical appointments or treatments, and we do not anticipate any costs for the surgery itself.

However, we are seeking assistance with travel and living expenses. Our family resides in Topeka, Kansas, and we will need to travel to St. Louis for Emiliano’s surgery. After the procedure, he will require physical therapy three times a week for a period of at least three weeks, or until he has fully recovered. This will necessitate our relocation to St. Louis for the summer so that he can receive the necessary therapy at Shriners Hospital.

Emiliano is an incredibly bright and talented young man. He taught himself to play both the piano and guitar in under a month, demonstrating his exceptional ability to learn and adapt quickly. Emiliano has a passion for music and dreams of becoming a famous music producer. He is also an avid skateboarder and enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Please help me support my son on this journey, so he can do all the things he loves without restrictions and without feeling different. The teenage years are challenging for everyone, but they’re even more difficult when you have a condition that sets you apart. I’m just a mom who wants to see her son happy, confident, included, and able to participate in every sport he loves.

We are hopeful that you may be able to assist with the costs of our relocation and associated expenses during this life altering event. Any support would be greatly appreciated as it would ensure that Emiliano receives the care he needs for a successful recovery.

Thank you for considering our request. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need further information.