Jordan's Smile

Jordan Keffer, 8, was born with facial palsy and has limited movement on the right side of his face. "It's hard for him to blink or close his eye completely. He can't have a full smile," said his mom, Ashley. But she added that he doesn't let it slow him down. "Jordan's outgoing. He loves to be outdoors. He loves making new friends. He doesn't let it bother him. I used to always worry about bullying, but he’s the coolest kid in school." " One of side effects of the muscle weakness is that when Jordan smiles, only the left side of his mouth curls upwards. "I love it. You know, it's perfect to me. That's how he was born. That's how I've seen him all his life. So, it's going to be different," said Ashley Keffer, referring to the surgery that is going to treat the palsy. "I never gave up on finding a doctor to treat Jordan even though I believe him to be perfect, this is what Jordan wants. I have searched since he was born, constantly having MRIs as he got older and going from doctor to doctor, but I never gave up. And because of my consistenty I found a doctor (s) @ UVA. It's almost 2 hours from home but worth every minute of the drive. These doctors are truly amazing and I thank God for giving me the strength to never give up." Jordan having a smile is being done in two stages. Last June, the first surgery involved taking a nerve from his leg and attaching inside the right side of his face. The family held a fundraiser last year to help for that surgery. His mom said they had to wait a year for the nerve to acclimate in its new position before Jordan could undergo the second procedure. "This next procedure, they're taking a muscle from his thigh and then they're going to put it in the right side if his face and connect that nerve and that muscle as well as taking an artery from his neck to give the muscle blood flow and that's what's going to give him movement," said Ashley Keffer. Jordan's parents, Ashley and Elvis, said they are waiting to hear from UVA about when the procedure will actually happen, but are expecting it to be in July. They added they are anxious and excited to reach the end of this journey. "I don't know if I'll look at him the same. That's my baby. But this is want he wants for his future," said Ashley. While Jordan said he is feeling good heading into the home stretch. "Because I want to smile like everybody else." Jordan's parents are raising money to help during Jordan's surgery. Jordan will be hospitalized for 5-6 days to monitor blood flow to his face where the muscle will be placed! Jordan will also need 3 months of physical therapy after surgery! All money raised will help with medical expenses & travel cost! After all the cost his parents are hoping to have enough money to take Jordan and his siblings to Disney, to celebrate everything Jordan been through as well as Jordan's bravery and his New Smile!!! #SupportFacialPalsy #JordansSmile UPDATE: JORDAN WILL HAVE MAJOR RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY JULY 26, WE ARE DAYS AWAY!!!!