TRENTON, Mich- A 7-year-old boy on the east side of the state is raising awareness and money, after his younger brother was diagnosed with Craniofacial Disorder.
WDIV reports that 3-year-old Nathan Anderson was born with Treacher Collins Syndrome, which eventually led to his face being disfigured. “The bones in the face don’t grow as fast as other bones, so his jaw was really small, he had to have a surgery on that when he was 11 days old. He will continue to have to have surgeries on his jaw because the bones will not grow,” says the boys’ father, Dave.
Nathan has already undergone seven surgeries in his short life, something that’s inspired his older brother, Owen to help his sibling, as well as others dealing with the same thing.
Owen personally called his favorite restaurant, Stevi B’s to coordinate a fundraiser there. He also called the school superintendent to get permission to pass out flyers. Between the fundraisers and other donations, Owen has managed to raise more than $5,000 for the Children’s Craniofacial Association.
Nathan’s family says while sometimes people don’t have the most subtle reactions to his appearance, it’s all about raising awareness. “Sometimes they’ll whisper to their mom and dads, and sometimes they will point at him,” says Owen.
“As parents we understand that 5-year-olds and 6-year-olds aren’t going to ask in the most kind way, but the questions are so important because from that brings awareness,” said Dave Anderson.
For more information on the Children’s Craniofacial Association, just go to their website.
To view WDIV’s original story, click here.
