Support for Kadence Burner and her Family

Kadence Reagan Burner was born in 2012 with complex skeletal issues along with other complicating issues. In 2014 she had spinal detethering surgery, and at that time was diagnosed with Congenital Kyphoscoliosis (severe curvature of the spine that results from anomalies or abnormally developed vertebrae). In addition to that diagnosis, Kadence has only 11 ribs on one side and only 8 on the other, along with a connective tissue disorder all of which further complicate her situation.

In spite of what would seem to be limiting physical conditions, Kadence is a lively and engaging little girl who captures the heart of everyone she encounters.  We invite you to get to know her and her family through the  Burner Family Blog .
 
In 2017, when her pediatric orthopedist determined that he could no longer treat her condition, he recommended her to the Shriner organization. She was  “adopted” by them and they will oversee her medical treatment until she reaches the age of 18 (2030). Since that time she has traveled from her home in Arizona to the Shriner’s hospital in Salt Lake City multiple times for assessment.

In her most recent visit (1/2020) they determined that her spinal curvature has increased from 66 degrees to a current 88 degrees so the time has come to pursue surgical intervention. The plan is that she will start with 4-6 weeks of  Halo Traction  which will hopefully help straighten some of her curvature.  This will be followed by the insertion of  Magic Rods  to stabilize her spine. She will be staying in the Shriner’s hospital for the duration. (about 6 weeks if all goes according to plan)  The hospital requires a family member to stay with Kadence for the duration of her treatment.  Because both her parents need to work, her grandmother, "Mimi" will stay with Kadence in the hospital and her mom, dad, and brother with travel up on the weekends. As you can imagine, however, it will be very scary for an 8 year old to be separated from her family for that long.

Following the insertion of the rods, Kadence and her mom will return to SLC every 8-10 weeks for extension of the magnetic rods. This will continue until she is around 12 years old (3-4 years). She will then have spinal fusion surgery which will further stabilize her spine – again in Shriner’s Hospital, SLC.

We are grateful that Kadence has been "adopted" by the Shriner organization, because they will cover the costs of her extensive and ongoing medical care along with airfare for her and her mother, Katelyn to and from Arizona where they live.  What we are seeking through these donations is financial support to help cover additional costs which will be incurred over the next 4 - 10 years:   Living expenses throughout treatment time...each trip to SLC requires anywhere from two days to a week of lost income for Katelyn/Lee as they need to take off work for the visits. Lodging, food and other travel expenses are not covered by Shriners along with all airfare for Lee, Jayden and Katelyn when she visits during the month of Halo Treatments. We are also allowing for unexpected related expenses which may occur over the next 4-10 years as she is under the care of the Shriner organization.

This is a long term situation that Kadence and her family are facing and they greatly appreciate every dollar anyone can spare. Thank you so much in advance and we will continue to share updates.