At first, we didn’t know what it was.
The doctors came in and told us that they needed to do some testing. The next morning, we found out that our newborn daughter Ester, our 5th child, was born with a skull which closed prematurely in utero.
Her brain would have no space to grow into, and slowly build pressure against the skull bone causing different brain functions to fail.
At 6 months of age, Ester underwent an extensive 11 hour surgery which opened up the sutures in her skull so that her brain would have sufficient space to develop.
As Ester developed she was constantly seen by doctors and specialists to assess her progress in all areas of functioning. She was poked and proded by nurses, spending lots of her terrible twos at doctors offices.
As time went on, Ester was growing up to be a healthy little girl.
Her charm and easy going nature were infectious.
By age 5, Ester began to realize she looked different than her peers.
Now when children in playgrounds stop to take a second look, she understands it’s about her.
People often go as far as pointing fingers and letting out a comment which cause Ester to run to me, crying, and hiding herself in my skirt.
She began to ask questions as to why she looks this way?
Why do other children stand and stare at her?
Why do the teachers at school think she is incapable to perform, talking to her in simplistic language?
Sometimes, Ester stands in the mirror trying to figure out if she puts her hair a certain way, or maybe if she wears a hat, maybe no one will notice?
You see, for Ester, looking different is something she is completely conscious about. Since she is emotionally and physically developing as her peers, she is acutely aware of her differences.
That can be very frightening for a child.
The good news is, there is hope for Ester.
Hope that she can look like her siblings, friends and classmates.
Hope that she will not feel that meeting new people is as frightening as it feels now.
Hope that when she goes to the park, she isn’t the laughing stock of the group.
And hope that someday she will be accepted as who she is, not judged as second class.
She needs to undergo cranial vault remodeling of her skull, as well as bringing the eyes closer together so they are more symmetrical. The cost of this surgery is $210,000. Since Dr Fearon is a private doctor, insurance will not cover the cost. Dr Fearon has come to a cost agreement which will bring the cost of the surgery down to $51,173.10.
If we get the funds we will be traveling to Dallas, Texas right away…
The discount is subject to change, only valid for three months, we will travel to get it done the second we get the funds.
Yes, I know that Ester isn’t your daughter and you have so many expenses caring for your own families. I am just putting this out there with the hope that people will help, because I have no other choice. If you do chose to give, I thank you in advance for your incredible generosity.
Link to support: https://www.charidy.com/ester
Ester’s Mommy,
Henny Chanina
Thank you for you warm words of encouragement and support. When Ester was born we researched many venues in which we can possibly help her before going for her first surgery. Her craniosynostosis was very serious and we were repeatedly told that the only way to ‘fix’ this is through surgery. There are many variations of how craniosynostosis affects the facial makeup. I just pulled this off the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health website: osteopathy has no place in the treatment of craniosynostosis ; the latter belong to malformations, completely distinct from postural deformations. All the… Read more »
Just saw today’s video of the Rebbe interacting with kids. May it be a zechus for Ester
Osteopaths and chiropractors are totally different! Osteopaths have the HUGE added benefit of going to medical school, and being trained like regular doctors as well, so they know if and when surgery is truly necessary. Please visit one today!
I’m Henny’s father #4. Todah for insight.
I once went to a chiropractor and in one minute he told.me I was hypoglycemic. There are MDs who also use this technique of Knieseology (Muscle Testing). A standard test for this condition takes two doctor’s visits and blood drawing.
So, who’s ‘advanced?’
For giving us the zchus to participate.
May the operation be with much Hatslacha.
Iy”H all will turn out well. I’ll be happy To contribute, but must share a personal experience. One of my children had the same problem and we were told she needed surgery. We took her to an osteopathic doctor who specialized in cranial work and he corrected the problem 100% was with no surgery. Now, our daughter was much younger than your dear Neshamaleh but you (and everyone else in this situation) owe it to your child to consult an osteopath before moving forward with the procedure. Bsuros tovos and May you have many happy and healthy years of nachas… Read more »
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