Smiles for Preston
Donation protected
Welcome to Preston's page! This is for my son Preston. He is 5 years old and is a typical little boy.
Preston was born with Möebius Syndrome. Which is a very rare Neurological Disorder (affecting 12,000 people worldwide). Möebius affects the 6th and 7th cranial nerves and sometimes there are hand and foot differences (for Preston it has affected his right hand- having only a thumb). The nerves affected control eye and facial muscles. In Preston's case, he is completely paralyzed on both sides of his face and his eyes are as well. So this means he is unable to make any expression (smile, frown, etc). For his eyes, it means he is unable to blink and cannot move his eyes side to side. We use drops throughout the day to keep the corneas healthy. For the muscles in the face - he is in no pain - he simply is not able to use them. So eating and (mostly) drinking can be a challenge. Speech had been our biggest hurdle but like anything he is a champ and with speech therapy - he is doing great in that department! We are truly blessed that he is very healthy otherwise! I have learned so much from him and are very proud and happy to be his mommy. Any donation made will help me with travel and loss of wages, that will occur during his surgery times. He has had the first of two "reanimation surgeries" at St. Louis Children's Hospital just this past week (8/8/17). The surgery consists of taking a piece of the thigh muscle and implanting it into the face. (Each side will be done separately).
We ask more than anything for prayers. Prayers for the surgeon/surgery and for Preston during and after the surgery.
Thank you for all of the love and support!
-Sarah & Preston
***The video below is the surgeon - Dr. Warwick - she will be performing the same procedure on Preston, as this little boy (Dawson). ***
Preston was born with Möebius Syndrome. Which is a very rare Neurological Disorder (affecting 12,000 people worldwide). Möebius affects the 6th and 7th cranial nerves and sometimes there are hand and foot differences (for Preston it has affected his right hand- having only a thumb). The nerves affected control eye and facial muscles. In Preston's case, he is completely paralyzed on both sides of his face and his eyes are as well. So this means he is unable to make any expression (smile, frown, etc). For his eyes, it means he is unable to blink and cannot move his eyes side to side. We use drops throughout the day to keep the corneas healthy. For the muscles in the face - he is in no pain - he simply is not able to use them. So eating and (mostly) drinking can be a challenge. Speech had been our biggest hurdle but like anything he is a champ and with speech therapy - he is doing great in that department! We are truly blessed that he is very healthy otherwise! I have learned so much from him and are very proud and happy to be his mommy. Any donation made will help me with travel and loss of wages, that will occur during his surgery times. He has had the first of two "reanimation surgeries" at St. Louis Children's Hospital just this past week (8/8/17). The surgery consists of taking a piece of the thigh muscle and implanting it into the face. (Each side will be done separately).
We ask more than anything for prayers. Prayers for the surgeon/surgery and for Preston during and after the surgery.
Thank you for all of the love and support!
-Sarah & Preston
***The video below is the surgeon - Dr. Warwick - she will be performing the same procedure on Preston, as this little boy (Dawson). ***
Organizer
Sarah Tassi
Organizer
Des Moines, IA
