Rhett's Sagittal Craniosynostosis surgery.

Hello, my name is Julie Schelde and I am starting a fundraiser for my grandson Rhett Zeig.

Zack and Courtney were blessed with Rhett on March 19th, 2023.

At his two month appointment, a concern was brought up about the shape of Rhett’s head. He was sent to get an ultrasound of his brain to look at his soft spots and for extra fluid. Despite having an extremely small soft spot the concern was dropped by the doctor. Upon switching pediatricians at 8 months, Rhett’s doctor noticed the elongated shape of his head. She had taken pictures of his head and sent him for a CT.

Shortly after, he was diagnosed with Sagittal Craniosynostosis. It is a condition where the Sagittal suture along the top of the head prematurely fuses closed. When this suture closes too early, it causes the skull to grow long and narrow. Surgery is required not only to correct the shape of the head but also to allow for normal brain growth. Craniosynostosis is a birth defect in which the bones in the 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. This interferes with the normal growth of the brain and skull and could lead to physical and mental disabilities if left untreated.

Rhett’s craniosynostosis is most noticed from a side view as the back of his skull is bossed out. From the top, his head is very long and narrow. His brain is currently filling all the space it can which is why his head is so long and narrow.

Rhett will need to undergo a major surgery to repair his skull, which will allow his brain to grow normally. They will be taking out a strip of the center of his skull. Depending on how everything looks, the amount of skull coming out could change. With time it should fuse back together. His surgery will be performed on January 29, 2024. Rhett will remain in the hospital for about a week.

Zack and Courtney are a kindhearted couple and I am humbly asking for your support during this unforeseen circumstance. Despite their insurance covering some of the costs, they have been advised that their out-of-pocket expenses will be in the thousands. In addition to the medical expenses, Zack and Courtney will also be dealing with the loss of an income as Courtney does not have PTO for Rhett’s recovery period. I am hoping to reduce the financial burden on their family so they can focus on Rhett and his recovery.

Please keep Rhett and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

If you would rather use Venmo or cash app their accounts are below.

Venmo: @Courtney-Zeig

Cashapp: $ZeigByMySide