Luca’s Craniosynostosis Surgery
Donation protected
Luca Patrick Zavala was born July 13, 2020 to Brenna and Joseph Zavala. Brenna is a member of our Wood Park Caribou family, and now, so is Luca. Not long after Luca was born, his doctors concluded, after a number of tests, that Luca has the birth defect known as Craniosynostosis.
Craniosynostosis is a birth defect in which the bones in a baby’s skull join together too early. This happens before the baby’s brain is fully formed. Because the brain grows quickly in the first two years of life, it is important that the skull bones remain open. Craniosynostosis interferes with normal growth of the brain and skull.
As Luca’s condition was discovered early, his prognosis is excellent, though first he will need to undergo a major surgery to repair his skull, which will allow his brain to grow normally. His surgery will be performed at Gillette Children’s Hospital in St. Paul, MN. Luca will remain in the hospital for at least a week.
During Luca’s hospitalization and recovery, Brenna will not be working with us at Caribou, as she will be at home caring for Luca, leaving the Zavala family without Brenna’s income. The loss of Brenna’s income, combined with the miscellaneous medical expenses acquired during Luca’s hospitalization, will leave this young family in financial need.
We, at Wood Park Caribou, are asking those who are able, to contribute to this “GoFundMe” as a way to help Brenna and her family through this difficult time. The money raised will help relieve some of Brenna and Joseph’s financial stress, and allow them to focus on what, or should I say who, is most important, which is Luca, the newest member of our Caribou family.
Craniosynostosis is a birth defect in which the bones in a baby’s skull join together too early. This happens before the baby’s brain is fully formed. Because the brain grows quickly in the first two years of life, it is important that the skull bones remain open. Craniosynostosis interferes with normal growth of the brain and skull.
As Luca’s condition was discovered early, his prognosis is excellent, though first he will need to undergo a major surgery to repair his skull, which will allow his brain to grow normally. His surgery will be performed at Gillette Children’s Hospital in St. Paul, MN. Luca will remain in the hospital for at least a week.
During Luca’s hospitalization and recovery, Brenna will not be working with us at Caribou, as she will be at home caring for Luca, leaving the Zavala family without Brenna’s income. The loss of Brenna’s income, combined with the miscellaneous medical expenses acquired during Luca’s hospitalization, will leave this young family in financial need.
We, at Wood Park Caribou, are asking those who are able, to contribute to this “GoFundMe” as a way to help Brenna and her family through this difficult time. The money raised will help relieve some of Brenna and Joseph’s financial stress, and allow them to focus on what, or should I say who, is most important, which is Luca, the newest member of our Caribou family.
Organizer and beneficiary
Alyssa Saleen
Organizer
Farmington, MN
Brenna Lemaster
Beneficiary