Brighton needs a DOC helmet

Meet Brighton, born on February 17th of this year. From the moment he was born he grew fast and packed on weight. He's a happy baby who loves to roll over, scoot around on his tummy, listen to mommy sing, and "talk" to his 2 big sisters. Everything was going great until he was coming up on his 4-month check-up. I realized his head shape changed and his forehead was starting to push out on his right. We went to his pediatrician and my worries were confirmed.

We were given a referral for a complimentary evaluation at Cranial Technologies. It turns out that the back of his head had flattened in two spots, his forehead had flattened on one side and is pushing out on the other, and his right ear has moved forward as well. The picture below is of his clinical report.

He is considered a moderate case that needs medical intervention. If not corrected the doctor said it can cause the deformity to be permanent, increase pressure in his head, and seizures.

They recommend a DOC helmet, custom-made to reshape his skull. He will have to wear it 23 hours a day for an estimated 3 to 5 months (that's the average) and have it adjusted as we go.

After finally hearing from our insurance they say they will not cover the cost. Even with his doctor and specialist saying it is medically needed!

We were told the total amount could go up if he needs more adjustments than average or a second helmet, but we were given an initial estimate of $4,400 for everything he will need: the scans of his head, the helmet itself, and appointments to have the helmet adjusted. The adjustment appointments will be Every week for 4 weeks, then they will go to every 2 weeks until the helmet comes off.

As a parent, I want to do everything I can for my children so they are healthy and happy. I want them to be okay by whatever means necessary, and this DOC helmet is necessary. Otherwise, he could get worse and has been while we have been waiting and fighting with insurance just for them to say no.

I am a stay-at-home mom to Brighton and his 2 older sisters (ages 2 and 4). My husband works rotating day/night shifts out of town which costs us a ton to fill our car 2 to 3 times a week just for that. Even with him working, we do not have the money to cover Brighton's DOC helmet upfront. We did look into financing options but we were not approved.

With all that being said, and thank you for reading it, we are reaching out to the community and asking for help. Even if all you can do is say a prayer for our baby boy we are Incredibly grateful to you and the time you dedicated to him!

If funds are raised and he is able to get his helmet I will be posting updates and pictures for everyone to see! The office set up an appointment for July 27th in case we are able to raise funds so there will be an update, either way, that day!