Can you help this sweet little boy and his family? They need to raise an additional $24,000 by September 2008.

Optic Nerve Hypoplasia is a congenital birth condition in which the optic nerve fails to develop normally, leading to blindness. One or both eyes may be affected. It relates to small or underdevelopment of the nerve, which transmits vision signals from the eye to the brain. This is usually associated with permanent vision loss, which may be mild or severe. Xavier has been diagnosed as being a “legally blind” child and has signs of developmental delay; His ONH involves both eyes with both optic nerves being approximately 10% the size of a normal nerve and his sight is 20/200.

The treatment he will receive is Umbilical stem cell transplants, and they are only available in China. Xavier has an 80% chance of regaining his sight along with the restoration of other functions. The amount of positive results for this procedure is astounding! Testimonials of adults and children who have taken this trip can be found on the stem cell china website: http://www.stemcellschina.com. Xavier’s Mom says “My son and I are looking forward to this cure.” We will not settle for the doctors saying “There is no cure we will just have to wait and see".

To read more about Xavier you can visit his website: www.xaviershopefund.com

 

Born September 1, 2007, Baby "Miracle" Tina Julie Nanai was not expected to survive for more than a few hours. Her doctors on the island of Apia in Samoa had even decided she should not be fed. Nevertheless her family refused to let her die. Baby Miracle clung to life despite her deformities with the help of her parents who would sneak nourishment to her.

We at the Child Foundation are dedicated to raising the more than $100,000 in medical expenses necessary to correct her deformities. With the help of generous donors like you, we are committed to helping Baby Miracle take steps towards the rich and beautiful life that every child deserves.

She was born with her eyes pushed to the side of her face and misshapen; her nose and mouth were malformed, which prevents her from suckling. Her parents and other caregivers would give her milk through a dropper for nourishment. After receiving little encouragement for her survival from the doctors in Samoa, the parents reluctantly decided to go public with her story to help raise funds to take her to New Zealand for a workup and CT scan, but New Zealand refused to give her a visa----also thinking that she didn't deserve any resources.

From the doctors in Miami, FL:
"While we certainly cannot make her completely normal, she has a bilateral cleft lip that we can repair, a meningomyelocoele, and bone defects of the skull. These are treatments we would do for any child in this country, so why not give Baby Miracle some of the same resources we would provide our own children."

 

Two year old Khaleb would like to be as active as any toddler. Khaleb was recently diagnosed with Gaucher disease Type 1, an inherited enzyme deficiency. Because of his condition there is a build-up of fatty substances in some of his cells, leading to a very enlarged spleen and liver, as well as anemia, low platelets and bone pain.His mother must try and limit his activity level because of concern that his enlarged spleen might rupture. If left untreated this disease is life threatening.

Gaucher disease is treated with enzyme replacement therapy, administered by IV infusion every two weeks. The company that manufactures the enzyme is willing to donate it to Khaleb, but the cost of the infusions at Miami Children's Hospital will be $750 each ($1,500 monthly) for an indefinite time. Donate to this child.

Yilian is a teenager with a diagnosis of Treacher Collins Syndrome (TCS). This syndrome is a genetic, craniofacial birth defect that is characterized by a range of distinctive facial anomalies. The main characteristics of TCS are downward slanting eyes, small lower jaw, and malformed or missing ears. These anomalies can cause hearing, breathing, and eating problems. About one in ten thousand babies are born with it. Yilian is in need of a surgery that will help correct the bones in her face.

She already had the initial surgery and has been treated by an orthodontist preparing her for her second surgery.Unfortunately the family lost their insurance and has not been able to get it back. It looks like she will not be eligible for insurance for another 2 to 3 years. The estimated cost of her surgery is $22,000. We would be most grateful for any financial support you are able to give on behalf of Yilian.

 

Eleven year old Diana G. is in need of further corrective surgery and orthodontics. Please donate today to help fulfill Diana's dream of becoming a more self-confident young lady.