Surgery for Penelope's Speech

Hi All, Thanks for taking the time to read this!

As some who may know and for those that don't, Penelope was born with a Submucosal Cleft Palate -A submucosal cleft palate (SMCP) results from a lack of normal fusion of the muscles within the soft palate as the baby is developing in utero. When first born, she spent about a week in NICU before she could come home due to her having trouble eating because of the cleft. She was so strong though, even at just a few days old. Fast forward a few years and she is still one tough little girl with such a big heart and even bigger smile! In the past year we have had Penelope in Speech therapy in hopes that it would correct the speech issues she has been having. Unfortunately, after thorough evaluation and being seen by a cleft surgeon, it has been confirmed that Penelope will need corrective surgery in order to ever speak correctly. While meeting with the surgeon they urged that the surgery is needed sooner rather than later as the longer we wait the less successful the surgery could be due to muscle and muscle memory in her throat.

I do have insurance that I pay for through my employer, but even with the insurance it is not enough to cover the medical expenses that are due out of pocket. We are required to pay an estimate of $6,500.00 up front before the surgery can be preformed. Sadly, we just don't have even close to that. They are pushing to have the surgery preformed by end of January or latest February. I am reaching out to any and all friends, family, friends of family , friends of friends or ANYONE that sees this and is willing to donate ANYTHING. We appreciate anything that could help get us closer to the goal and will in the end help Penelope have a normal and successful life. Without this surgery she will struggle to communicate effectively her whole life.

I really appreciate you taking the time to read our story and if you can please please share this to everyone you know!

Thank you for any and all help!

With much love,

Cassie