Our son Steve was born with a simple bilateral cleft lip. We were in the military so the surgery and care was not a financial problem. Just with the simple cleft lip, there were feeding problems and the worry as parents was there. Our friend’s grandson, Liam, was born with a complete unilateral cleft lip and palate. The insurance covers some of the surgeries and treatment. The coverage pays nothing towards skin and bone grafts as well as teeth implants and the weekly trips to adjust and monitor his NAV device. He is five months old and they have already incurred over 30,00 dollars of uncovered medical cost. There is much to come. Jim and I wanted to do something and hoped that others might be so inclined also. This young couple is focusing on all the positive, but you can imagine the worry and concern they face. Sam has shared Liam’s story with me to share with you. Please consider a gift to let Liam’s family feel your love and compassion and partially ease their financial strain., or if you are unable to do  that right now, could you please share this?   Thank you so much!   Liam also has an older sister so they are busy, hard working parents who would never ask for this help on their own. Below is Liam’s story.

 

Liam Kane Wilaby was born in June with a complete unilateral cleft lip and palate. After several days in the NICU, lots of special testing and monitoring, and a specialty feeding system, Liam was able to go home to be with his family. Since he was three weeks old, Liam has worn a nasoalveolar molding (NAM) device, nasal elevator, and has had weekly visits with a specialty pediatric dentist. With the help of these devices and his specialty dentist, Liam has made great progress to bring his cleft closer together, but will still require corrective surgeries.

 

Liam will have his first reconstructive surgery on December 8th bringing together his lip and reconstructing his nose. Liam will need at least three surgeries (two of which will be during his first year of life) to ensure functionality of his mouth, tongue, and nose, and could have several more throughout his life depending on a number of factors as he gets older. Although his first surgery may seem cosmetic, it is essential to ensure he is able to hear, breathe, eat, and speak as he gets older.

 

His name means strong willed warrior which is so fitting for what he has already faced and will continue to face along his journey to repair his cleft for proper functionality. Money raised will go toward paying for Liam's upcoming surgery, his NAM device and weekly specialty appointments, as well as other medical bills that have accrued since his birth including his NICU stay, numerous visits with specialists, and medical testing completed to check for other defects or health issues.

 

The Wilaby family greatly appreciates your kindness in considering a donation.