Asters Journey- surgery for our 4-year-old

Dear friends and supporters,

We come to you with a heartfelt plea for our resilient, sweet 4-year-old warrior, Aster, who was diagnosed with congenital femoral deficiency at just one day old. In as simple of terms as I can make it, this means one of his femurs is shorter than the other, as well as his hip and knee on that leg are also underdeveloped. His first surgery was originally scheduled two and a half years ago, however due to unforeseen conflicts it has been delayed. Aster’s crucial surgery is now scheduled for June 2024 in Palm Beach, Florida.

This significant surgery will consist of the “super hip” and “super knee” procedures, which will strengthen these joints and set the stage for his subsequent surgeries, including two rounds of lengthening surgeries. We hope the first lengthening surgery will take place in approximately a year and a half, and the last around age 16, with expectations that he has two feet flat on the ground by adulthood! As we prepare for this medical journey, we face both emotional and financial challenges.

Complicating matters, Charlie (dad) and our other 3 children will remain at home while I (mom) accompany Aster to Palm Beach. We will incur out-of-pocket expenses for a portion of the surgery, along with the costs of accommodations and living expenses during our stay in Palm Beach, expecting to last two to three weeks. When we return home Aster will continue to undergo physical therapy on his leg, and unable to put any weight on his leg for approximately six weeks.

We are reaching out to our community for your support during this critical time. Your contributions, no matter the size, will make a significant impact on Aster’s journey towards a future filled with possibilities.

Thank you for being part of Aster’s support network. Your kindness, generosity, and prayers mean the world to us. Let us rally around Aster to navigate this challenging chapter in his life.

With gratitude,

Brooke and Charlie Wiles