Help Ethan Grow

This bundle of cuteness is Ethan Porritt. Ethan is 9 years old and was born with Achondroplasia (the most common form of dwarfism). Having dwarfism not only means that Ethan is “short”; it means that his bones grow at different rates.  In his lower legs, the fibula grows faster than his tibia. This causes him to have “bowed” legs. Ethan has had 2 surgeries at Baptist to help this but his legs are still bowed to an extent that causes him to stand on the outside part of his foot. His left leg is also longer than his right leg.  Ethan tries VERY hard not to let his dwarfism get in the way of doing all the things he enjoys but as he has gotten older, things have gotten harder for him. He can’t keep up with his peers and teammates. He loves baseball (and can hit great) but running the bases is a challenge. He complains of leg and ankle pain after he plays now. He avoids playing on the playground at school. Standing makes his legs ache and you will see him squatting a lot to relieve the burning sensation he gets. This last year, he has talked a lot about “not liking being a dwarf”. He doesn’t like being slow (despite going as fast as he can). He hates being picked on by other kids. He doesn’t like having to literally crawl on a toilet to use it (because he is too short to stand in front of it). He doesn’t like having to carry a stool around everywhere with him. He tries SO hard and it is just heartbreaking to see him upset. After a lot of research, we made an appointment for Ethan to meet with Dr. Standard at International Center for Limb Lengthening in Baltimore, Maryland.  Dr. Standard specializes in limb lengthening. He did x-rays and used an app on his Ipad to show us what the surgery would correct. Not only would the surgery correct the bowing and length discrepancy in his legs… it would make him FOUR inches taller!  Four inches is not a lot for us, but for someone estimated to be 4’4 as an adult, it is a HUGE difference! The surgery is complicated and long. It will require Ethan to stay in Baltimore for three months. His legs will be lengthened about 1mm per day. His femurs will have internal rods that use magnets to lengthen the bone. His lower legs will be pierced by metal pins and secured in a metal frame. He will have physical therapy after the daily lengthening. After the three months of lengthening are completed, Ethan will return home to NC to heal and have more PT. He will be in a wheelchair for three more months.

So far we think insurance will cover the surgery.  The relocation and travel to Baltimore for three months will be on us. Any donations would be used for travel expenses, housing and food. Any donation is appreciated! Thank you for reading!