Collin

Ashlynn is a full time mother of 3 and Sloan is currently working his way through a Bachelor’s program at BYU.  Sloan was recently accepted into an internship with a virtual reality based medical imaging firm here in Utah County. 

 
Fortunately Collin had been able to nurse as a newborn, however the ideal time for a cleft lip to be repaired is within the first 10-12 weeks of a baby’s life.  In Collin’s case, the circular muscle that surrounds his lip was attached at the base of his nose, instead of his upper lip where it the muscle is typically connected.

 
On June 1st Collin underwent reparative surgery at Primary Children’s Hospital.  The skilled surgeon was able to detach the lip muscle from his nose, dissecting multiple layers of skin, muscle, and tissue, and re-build & re-attach his lip muscle.  The hours long procedure also involved cosmetic repairs to his lip and nostril.  

 
Collin had to spend the night at Primary Children’s, and Sloan & Ashlynn were fortunate enough to make arrangements to stay at Ronald McDonald house in Salt Lake City.  Collin’s response to the procedure was positive so was released the next day and has been able to continue recover y at his home in Provo.  We are happy to report Collin is feeding normally and is expected to make a full and complete recovery.  Collin’s recovery is expected to take 2-3 months, and he will have annual checkups throughout his childhood.

 
While Sloan’s internship is paid, it is an entry level position in a highly competitive field, and the current wage is not nearly enough to cover the family’s living expenses, let alone the substantial medical costs that Collin’s procedure has incurred.  This year Collin has been selected as the recipient of our Cherries for Charity fundraiser.  The board members at Utah Relief Fund have personal experience of our kids and overnight stays in hospitals, and we know the medical costs add up quickly.  We hope to raise enough funds to provide some much needed relief for this hard working family and their beautiful new addition.  Please come by Monday, June 18, and buy some fresh-picked local cherries in support of Ashlynn and Sloan.

 
Cherries for Charity is at

1407 West 1980 North
Provo, Utah

Cash, check, credit & debit card, and Venmo are all accepted

100% of the proceeds go directly to bills for the family.  Utah Relief Fund is a registered 501(c).  All donations are tax deductible and come with a hefty dose of good karma!