Urgent Treatment Needed for Simon's Health

Kindly Help Simon Breathe, Smile, and Grow.

My name is Sandra Sallusto, and I’m reaching out with deep love and hope to ask for your support in helping my 10-year-old nephew, Simon. Simon is a joyful 10-year-old boy—always active, happy, and full of life.

From Mystery Symptoms to a Diagnosis.

For years, Simon has been struggling with poor sleep, constantly gnashing his teeth even while sleeping, and eating with his mouth open. We took him to several doctors and dentists in our home country of Colombia, hoping to understand what was going on, but no one could provide a clear diagnosis. It wasn’t until a recent trip to the United States that he was diagnosed with a condition that has been quietly impacting his health and development for years – he is a mouth breather. A mouth breather is someone who habitually breathes in and out through their mouth instead of their nose.

In addition to mouth breathing, Simon also has a tongue tie—a condition where the tissue connecting the tongue to the bottom of the mouth is too tight, restricting its natural movement. As a result, his tongue has never been able to rest on the roof of his mouth as it should—a small but crucial function that plays a major role in the proper development of the face, jaw, and airways.

How Mouth Breathing and a Tongue Tie Disrupts Facial and Airway Development.

Because of this, Simon’s upper jaw has narrowed, his palate has risen, and his upper and lower teeth have grown crooked. His lower jaw has shifted backward and become deformed to make room for breathing. These changes are affecting his breathing, his posture, and his overall health. If left untreated, Simon could experience worsening facial deformities, chronic abnormal curvature of the neck and spine, respiratory difficulties, sleep disturbances, and potentially more severe complications in the future.

But there is hope.

Simon’s Treatment Plan.

Simon needs a comprehensive, multi-step treatment to address both the physical and functional causes of his condition:

1. Palate Expander – To widen his upper jaw and create more space for his airways and teeth, helping correct his bite and improve breathing.

2. Lower Teeth Expander – To gently expand his lower jaw and align his bottom teeth properly, supporting balanced jaw development.

3. Tongue-Tie Surgery – An essential procedure that will allow his tongue to move freely and rest correctly in his mouth.

4. Dental & Orthodontic Work – To properly align his teeth and reshape his jaw for long-term health.

5. Myotherapy – Therapy to retrain his mouth and facial muscles, helping with posture, breathing, and proper tongue positioning.

6. ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) Care – Specialist treatment to improve his nasal breathing and airway function.

A Race Against Time.

It’s critical that Simon begins treatment as soon as possible—he’s already 10 years old, and he has only about two more years before his facial bones begin to fully settle. Most of these corrective treatments are most effective when started earlier, (age 3 or 4) while the bones are still developing and more adaptable. Because the treatment process is long and complex, acting quickly will give Simon the best possible chance for a full recovery, proper facial and airway development, and a healthier, more fulfilling life ahead.

How You Can Help

By joining us in raising $3,700 to cover all of Simon’s medical expenses, including:

• Specialist consultations

• Surgery

• Dental and orthodontic procedures

• Myotherapy sessions

• ENT care

• Follow-up appointments and support

This amount, while significantly lower than what the same treatment would cost in the U.S. (over $11,000), is still a major challenge for our family. That’s why we are humbly asking you to consider making a donation toward this cause.

Every donation—no matter the size—brings us one step closer to giving Simon the opportunity to grow, thrive and enjoy a healthy future.

Please consider sharing this message with your friends, family, and community to help us reach more people who can support Simon’s treatment.

Pray. Donate. Share. Support. You can help change Simon’s life.

From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU!

— Sandra Sallusto, Simon & Family