Support Hunter's TARS Surgery and Rehabilitation

I have started this Go Fund Me  campaign on behalf of my niece Cheryl and her son Hunter to help with
their upcoming extraordinary medical costs and care for Hunter.   Please consider joining my wife and me
in supporting Cheryl and Hunter.  Following is the story of Hunter as provided by Cheryl.


Hunter’s Story

Hello, my name is Cheryl. I live in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and am a single mother
with a 4-year old daughter named Kinsley and a son, Hunter, who will turn 3 in August.
Hunter was born with TARS (Thrombocytopenia Absent Radius). TARS is a very rare
genetic disorder that typically results in a child being born with a low blood platelet
count, the absence of the radius and other arm bones. Another common complication is
deformed leg bones and knee structure. Hunter has all of these disabilities and has
extreme difficulty walking because his legs are severely bowed and his knees are not
properly developed. With his very short deformed arm appendages, he also has
difficulty holding toys or feeding himself.

Over his short life, Hunter has had to have numerous transfusions to stabilize his blood
platelet count. He has also regularly been seen by pediatric specialists in Philadelphia
who have determined Hunter will require extensive surgeries on both legs and knees.
Due to the rarity of TARS, there are but a few orthopedic specialists experienced in
these surgeries on TARS patients and his Philadelphia doctors have recommended
Hunter be seen by an orthopedic surgeon in Florida who has experience with TARS
patients. After examination, the Florida surgeon said he believes two extensive
surgeries he can perform on Hunter’s legs will significantly improve Hunter’s ability to
walk. However, the surgeries are exceedingly expensive. Even though I have insurance
coverage through my employer, the deductible and copays for the surgeries and follow-up
visits and rehabilitation will be extremely expensive. We will be required to live in
Florida for at least 4 months for Hunter’s surgeries and follow-up visits and
rehabilitation. None of our travel and living expenses will be covered by insurance. In
addition, Hunter will require ongoing rehabilitation once we return to our home in
Bethlehem, as well as continued care and future surgeries on his arms.

Hunter is a wonderful boy and so much wants to run and play with his sister, cousins
and friends at daycare. Like any parent, I will do anything and everything to help my
child, no matter the expense and am humbled at the thought of asking for your help.
However, it is under these extraordinary circumstances that I ask; and would be so
grateful should you choose to support Hunter and help give him a chance to walk better
and have one less deformity to overcome.

God bless you and thank you for any support you can give.


Cheryl, Hunter, and Kinsley