- J
Sage, age 9, was born with a system of birth defects known as VATER Syndrome. Only 3 % of the population have defects associated with VATER. Sage was diagnosed with a multicystic kidney (which later phagocytized), a tracheal-esophageal fistula, and a 30 degree spinal curve at birth.
When Sage was only 2 days old, she had major surgery to repair the fistula, leaving her with esophageal scarring & a proclivity to lung infections. To date, she has had 14 surgeries to remove debris that would block her esophagus, a surgery to repair her spinal cord as it tethered to her sacrum, & a debrisment surgery to remove waste from the spinal surgery. She has had lumbar punctures. She has undergone testing that was invasive, painful, and traumatizing. But still, she stands.
Right now, Sage lives with frequent lung infection. Her scoliosis has progressed to 70 degrees, & Shriners Hospital will implant a MAGEC rod. This technique will allow her spine to grow without furthering the scoliosis. This amazing new technology is not yet available in Sage's home in New York. This rod will help her breathe & swallow easier, reduce the risk of continence problems and the need for a wheelchair, reduce lung infections, and most importantly- it will help Sage stand tall.
It will be performed by Dr. Payhs through Shriners Hospital in Philadelphia. Sage lives in Buffalo, N.Y. Travel expenses are expected to be great, as she cannot travel home by car, because of her kidney and swallowing problems. Lodging and car rental for her parents will add to the expense. She will need frequent post-op visits in Erie, P.A., at least several times a year, for the next four years. Sage has all the love and support of her parents, Allen & Heather, & her big brother, River.
Despite Sage's problems, she's an accomplished singer at St. Casimir's Church in Buffalo. She's a beloved second grader at a local parochial school, popular with her peers & teachers. In the same year, Sage has earned her black belt with Master Khechen's School of Martial Arts AND will receive this life saving surgery. Please consider donating to Sage Stands Tall, & stand beside her. Thank you!!
When Sage was only 2 days old, she had major surgery to repair the fistula, leaving her with esophageal scarring & a proclivity to lung infections. To date, she has had 14 surgeries to remove debris that would block her esophagus, a surgery to repair her spinal cord as it tethered to her sacrum, & a debrisment surgery to remove waste from the spinal surgery. She has had lumbar punctures. She has undergone testing that was invasive, painful, and traumatizing. But still, she stands.
Right now, Sage lives with frequent lung infection. Her scoliosis has progressed to 70 degrees, & Shriners Hospital will implant a MAGEC rod. This technique will allow her spine to grow without furthering the scoliosis. This amazing new technology is not yet available in Sage's home in New York. This rod will help her breathe & swallow easier, reduce the risk of continence problems and the need for a wheelchair, reduce lung infections, and most importantly- it will help Sage stand tall.
It will be performed by Dr. Payhs through Shriners Hospital in Philadelphia. Sage lives in Buffalo, N.Y. Travel expenses are expected to be great, as she cannot travel home by car, because of her kidney and swallowing problems. Lodging and car rental for her parents will add to the expense. She will need frequent post-op visits in Erie, P.A., at least several times a year, for the next four years. Sage has all the love and support of her parents, Allen & Heather, & her big brother, River.
Despite Sage's problems, she's an accomplished singer at St. Casimir's Church in Buffalo. She's a beloved second grader at a local parochial school, popular with her peers & teachers. In the same year, Sage has earned her black belt with Master Khechen's School of Martial Arts AND will receive this life saving surgery. Please consider donating to Sage Stands Tall, & stand beside her. Thank you!!