PLEASE HELP SUPPORT THE BROWNS IN THEIR TIME OF NEED!

My Name is Susie Brown and I am a grandmother of 10. As many of you who know me, you already know how loving and passionate I am about my grandchildren. 2 years ago, my son (Joshua Brown) and his wife (Chloe Brown), brought our sweet baby Novalee into our lives. Shockingly, Novalee was diagnosed at birth with two genetic mutations that cause Microcephaly (small head). Soon after multiple tests, she was also diagnosed with Craniosynostosis (premature fusion of skull bones). Novalee had her 1st endoscopic surgery at only 5 months old and was required to wear a protective helmet for approximately 6 months which she graduated from and was showing excellent signs of improvement in our day to day lives.

At a recent follow-up appointment on April 17th, Joshua and Chloe received the worst news possible. Novalee's brain is continuing to grow, but her skull is not and it has closed prematurely. There is indication of pressure on her brain and accumulation of Cerebrospinal Fluid. This is very serious, and she will need major surgery as soon as possible for skull reconstruction. Her doctors have scheduled her surgery for May 22nd, 2025.

As this news isn't hard enough, Joshua and Chloe are also welcoming a new baby at the same time as Novalee's surgery. (Due date May 23rd) This will be incredibly difficult and stressful for Joshua, Chloe, and frankly our entire family. Joshua will need to take several weeks of time off from his job to be readily available for Novalee's very invasive surgery, a long recovery/hospital stay and of course additional time after Novalee's release on top of welcoming a new family member, a baby boy, Nikolas and continued support of their two older children, Nathan and Natalee. The Family Medical Leave Act allows up to 12 weeks to be taken off from a job, but unfortunately that time off is unpaid. Even more unfortunate, monthly bills will continue and without any income it will be difficult for Joshua and Chloe to take this very needed time to physically and emotionally support each other and their 4 children.

Help Support #SuperNova

Novalee is a happy, smart, and sweet 2 year old. At one year old, she was diagnosed with two genetic mutations that cause Microcephaly (small head) and a condition called Craniosynostosis (premature fusion of skull bones). She had endoscopic surgery on May 8, 2023, at 5 months old and underwent a several months of helmet therapy.

Nova will be having a surgery called "Fronto Orbital Advancement" on May 22nd, 2025.

Fronto-orbital advancement is a surgical procedure used to reshape and reposition the bones of the forehead and upper eye sockets (orbits). It's primarily used to treat craniosynostosis, a condition where the skull sutures close prematurely, potentially causing deformities and limiting brain growth.

How it's done:

Coronal incision: A bicoronal incision (a "zigzag" or ear-to-ear cut) is typically made on the top of the head.

Bone separation and reshaping: The frontal bone and the orbital segment (bandeau) are separated from the skull, reshaped, and repositioned.

Fixation: The bones are secured with dissolvable plates, screws, and sutures.

Closing: The scalp is closed, and a drainage tube may be inserted.

A MESSAGE FROM JOSHUA AND CHLOE

"We want to say thank you to Dr. Evans, Dr. Klimo, and everyone at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital for their continued love and care for Nova. We also want to thank our friends and family for their support and kindness. It means everything to our family."

-Chloe and Josh

Our goal of $15,000 will help Joshua and Chloe with monthly bills, added expenses and to ease the financial burden and Joshua can take the necessary time off of work to care for his family.