Shia's Smile

Shia was born February 2016.

He had what is known as unilateral cleft lip and palate. He underwent his first reconstructive surgery at 5 months old. Unbeknown to the doctor at this time, he was also born with PierRobin Sequence, which is an undeveloped jaw with a tongue that obstructs his airways. This has caused severe complications for Shia post surgery, blocking his airways and causing breathing difficulties. He then underwent his second operation a month after his first. As his airways became too unstable, this confirmed his diagnosis of PRS, then separately he also has a deviated septum (a muscle that doesn't work well when swallowing). He suffers from severe obstruction Sleep Apnea, and mild tracheomalacia, these two things have caused him to have severe airway complications. He also has been diagnosed with a minor PDA in his heart and on top of that struggles with feeding. Unable to breathe on his own properly he has to endure sleeping with an NPA, CPAP & an NG. With doctors now looking at the possibility of performing a trachea, this little boy needs a miracle.

The battle is real, this is a complex situation with foreseeable stays in and out of hospital and possible surgeries for the next few years.

Life is very uncertain for the Hayes family, with what the next few years may bring for their big family of 6. With the pressures of bills, mum juggling life living in and out of hospital, kids back home and dad working full time with little options financially but to work to help support his family, also having to take lots of time off work to support Shia, this has caused extra financial stress with no paid leave remaining.

Let's dig deep for the Hayes family and help relieve one less thing in their lives to worry about. Funds will be used to cover any bills, time off Aidan may require, medical costs, travel and just to bless them.

Despite all of this Shia is such a champion, a true delightful little lad who always has a smile on his face.