Help Jake Hear Better and Smile Brighter

Hello everyone,

We are reaching out to our community to support our incredible son, Jake, who was born with a few unique challenges - right-sided microtia, aural atresia, right-sided maximium conductive hearing loss, and hemifacial microsomia. Fortunately, we've found a remarkable surgeon, Dr. Russell Griffiths in Boise, Idaho, who can help Jake overcome these challenges and lead a happier, healthier life. Jake will be undergoing right ear reconstruction (meaning he will get his "BIG" ear) with placement of a bone anchored hearing device to help ameliorate Jake's hearing (he is currently deaf on his right side).

How does a bone conduction implant/ bone anchored hearing device work?

A bone conduction implant works by bypassing the parts of the ear that aren't working. The sound vibrations are captured and sent through the skin to the implant that is located in the skull bone and then onto the healthy inner ear. The bone conduction implant system includes 3 main components:

External sound processor

Connection between sound processor and implant – through a magnetic connection or an abutment.

Internal implant

About Dr. Russell Griffiths:

Dr. Russell H. Griffiths is a board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. He completed his medical training at Washington University School of Medicine. In 1998, he opened his practice, he quickly became a regional specialist treating craniofacial deformities including microtia. With extensive training and experience, he is the ideal expert to perform the necessary procedures to enhance Jake's life.

About Jake's Condition:

Jake was born with a unique set of challenges, including right-sided microtia, aural atresia, and hemifacial microsomia. Microtia, which means "small ear," results in a small, abnormally-shaped, or absent external ear. In Jake's case, it affects his right ear. Additionally, aural atresia means he lacks an ear canal, causing significant hearing difficulties. Hemifacial microsomia adds to the complexity, affecting the development of one side of his face.

These conditions not only impact Jake's appearance but also his ability to hear and determine the direction of sound. Our goal is to correct these conditions to improve Jake's hearing, facial balance, and overall quality of life.

Why We Need Your Help:

Good news - most of Jake's surgery expenses will be covered by insurance. However, we're still facing a cost burden, especially for the remaining medical out of pocket costs, travel, and living expenses during the three weeks time we will be in Idaho as Jake will have several follow-up appointments during that time. These appointments are crucial to Jake's recovery and well-being, occurring 1-2 days post-op, 2 weeks post-op, and 3 weeks post-op.

Why Your Support Matters:

Your support will make a world of difference in Jake's life because this surgical procedure will:

Improve Hearing: Jake will benefit from hearing improvements thanks to this surgery, making everyday life more enjoyable.

Boost Confidence: As Jake grows older, reconstructing his ear will contribute to his psychosocial integration and confidence.

Enhance Daily Life: It will make wearing glasses easier and provide him with a greater sense of normalcy.

Prevent Bullying: By having this surgery before school age, we can protect Jake from the potential hardships of harassment and bullying.

Join Us in Making a Difference:

We believe that this procedure is not merely cosmetic; it's life-changing. It's about improving Jake's quality of life, building his confidence, and ensuring a brighter future. As of right now Jake is supposed to have surgery in August, but it may be pushed up to as early as May!

Your contribution, no matter the size, will help Jake embark on this transformative journey. Let's come together to give him the chance to hear better and smile brighter. Your support means the world to our family, and we can't thank you enough.

With heartfelt gratitude,

The Grubb Family