Hi everyone!

My name is Katie Jacobs and I am starting this GoFundMe for my amazing sister, Jen, and my extra brave and courageous nephew, Paul. He is the coolest cranio-warrior you will ever meet!

Six years ago, I posted a very similar GoFundMe for Jen and her family. As a newborn, Paul was diagnosed with a condition called Craniosynostosis, which is a rare birth defect that occurs when the fibrous joints between a baby's skull bones fuse too early, before the brain is fully formed. On January 6, 2020 Paul successfully underwent an invasive surgery known as CVR (Cranio Vault Remodeling). He was cut from ear to ear for prime access to the skull and the doctors reshaped/remolded his skull, allowing his brain the room it needed to grow. There was always a small percentage that Paul would need additional surgeries, but we all held onto hope that it would be a "one and done" type of thing. He recovered beautifully.

Paul has grown into a silly, fun loving little guy who loves dinosaurs, trains, police officers and school! He is thriving in every way possible and continues to not only meet all of his developmental milestones, but exceed them. We are so proud of his strength, courage and resilience over the past five years. He has a really cool scar that he rocks with pride to show what a warrior he really is.

After may follow up appointments and CT scans over the years, doctors and surgeons alike have kept a close eye on Paul's condition and it's status. His last x-ray showed evidence of, unfortunately, Paul needing a second surgery. He will undergo Cranioplasty for his cranial defect. Cranioplasty is a surgical procedure to repair a skull defect using either bone grafts or synthetic materials like titanium implants or polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement. The goal is to restore the skull's shape and protect the brain, often improving neurological function and quality of life, though the specific timing and materials depend on the patient's condition and the cause of the defect. A custom 3D model of the defect is often made using imaging to guide the creation and placement of the implant. Specifically, Paul's surgeon will be using a split skull graft for this procedure.

Paul's cranioplasty procedure is scheduled for November 19, 2025. He will be in the best of the best hands at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. We all ask for prayers during the weeks and days leading up to this important day. He will spend a minimum of 3 days in the hospital for recovery and will be required to stay home from school for additional recovery for 3 weeks.

With Jen being the sole provider for her two sons, she has minimal paid time off of work to be at Paul's side during his time of recovery. It is always difficult to reach out for financial assistance. I insisted on setting up this page for her in hopes to give her some type of mental and financial relief during this anxious and stressful time. If a monetary contribution is not something you can do, please know that praying for Paul's safety and for his surgeon and the medical team is appreciated more than you know. It would be the biggest blessing for Jen and the boys for us to rally together and help provide even just a few extra days off work so that she can focus on Paul's important recovery. Not to mention the medical bills that are already rolling in from pre-op visits and procedures.

With all of this being said, and on behalf of Jen and her two sweet boys, thank you so much for your generosity and outreach. Paul has been given another big obstacle to tackle at just 6 years old. We know with the power of prayer and coming together to provide some assistance, he will overcome this just as bravely as the first time!