River’s surgical fundraiser

My son River is 14 years old. He has a twin
sister and two parents that love him so very much. In Elementary school he was right on
track with the other kids as far as weight and height but was always on the thin side. We
thought it was just him being a picky eater.
When he got to middle school you could see
his rib bones and his arms became very long
and skinny. He developed body image issues because, well because kids can be mean. His doctor has run all of the appropriate tests
over the years and all were normal.  

This summer I noticed that I could see his
breastbone a little bit, and again thought thatwhen he filled in it would all be ok. But
instead, when River grew 3 1/2” from July to November he developed Pectus Carinatum. His breastbone now stands out about 3” fromhis chest wall. He is very private and doesn’t
run around without  a shirt and hoodie
because of his body image issues. It’s when I
accidentally walked in the bathroom on him
that I saw it. He was so embarrassed he was
hiding it from his own family. My heart broke 
that day.  Just as it shattered when the doctor
explained to me the two surgeries required
to correct the Pectus Carinatum. Left
untreated it will continue to grow and
compromise his heart and lungs.

We’ll be going to Cook’s Children’s Hospital
in Fort Worth on December 16th. I won’t
leave his side once he’s admitted. That also
leaves logistical problems for my husband
and daughter while River and I are at the
hospital. And as I understand it, we’ll be there for several weeks or longer with each surgery

I’ve never asked for money but I’ve given
plenty to people and charity’s in need. Now I have to ask that someone out there will help me for the sake of my son. I hope you can find it in your hearts to do so.

Thank you and God Bless you for helping my son. 

Patsy Morrell