Try to imagine what it must be like to be born “different” from the “normal” kids. To not be able to run and play like the kid across the street, at best to have kids look away because you were different, at worst to have them say something cruel because they didn’t understand.   You might have been born with a club foot, cleft palate or scoliosis, something that made being “normal” seem more like a dream.  Jesse was born into just this situation as he was diagnosed with a 3rd degree, severe cleft lip and palate.  

But that is just part of the story, as Jesse was given up for adoption early in his life.  Children with birth defects are especially hard to place as their “special needs” draws significantly from the emotional, as well as financial reserves, of prospective parents.  Jesse was blessed to have been found, and then to grow in the hearts of two wonderful people, Tim and Becky, living right here in NW Arkansas.  Tim recalls that Jesse was put into their arms on May 2006 when he was 17 months old.  “We had already seen his pictures when we first agreed to accept him as our son”, but they recall also, how many people would turn their backs, or stare, when they first met Jesse.  “Little children would naturally point and whisper about him.”   

It was at this point the Shriners became involved in Jesse’s life.  Jesse had his first surgery, at the Shrine Hospital in Chicago, when he was 2 years old.  Repair of a his cleft palate will require one more surgery, when he is 8 or 9 years old,  At this time they will do a bone graft to fill in the upper gum line so that it can support permanent teeth and stabilize the upper jaw.  Tim says unequivocally that “Jesse’s surgery was a great success”, and recalls when another health care professional had the opportunity to see Jesse remarked, “Wow, that looks really good.  They did a great job. Where did you have it done?”  Tim was proud to say, “The Shriner’s”.

There are another 114 stories about kids right here in NW Arkansas being treated for burns, orthopedic problems or spinal cord injuries.  Their treatment is free, but not inexpensive, as it is estimated that the Shrine organization spends close to $2 million dollars a day.  Please...

“Help Us Help Our Kids”!