Monday, May 14, 2012

Jonathon's Cause

I have been having such a blast writing my paper.  I am getting more contacts every day, local businesses are excited about my weekly contest, and I find new stories- so many I can hardly keep up with them.  I came across a story today that I just had to share here too:

Jonathon Foxen is just like every other normal kid- except he has Goldenhar Syndrome.

Jonathon was born with a Cleft Palate and had to have two corrective surgeries for that, one when he was 15 months old and one when he was 7 years old. The disorder made it difficult for him to eat when he was a baby, and it would take him an hour just to finish a meal. Because of this, he had trouble gaining weight and had to be on a high-calorie diet, which caused rotting of his teeth.

Born deaf, he has to wear a special hearing aid and has limited hearing. The disorder has also caused problems with his speech and swallowing. At the young age of 10½, Jonathon has already undergone 21 surgeries and needs 3 or 4 more. The next surgery is tentatively scheduled for August and will entail ear reconstruction and a BAHA surgical hearing aide placement. The surgery costs $6000 and is likely not covered under insurance.

Jonathon has been invited to a retreat in Tempe, Arizona, at the end of June. The Children’s Craniofacial Association hosts the annual retreat put on by Cher. Families attend a symposium on the disorder and then are treated to sight seeing and other fun activities. The retreat includes six meals but costs $150 a night.

Jonathon and his family are having fund raising events to help pay for the trip and surgeries he needs. Tonight, they are at Mountain Mikes Pizza at 1901 Oro Dam Blvd. next to The Dollar Tree. If you mention Jonathon’s cause when you order before 9:00 p.m. tonight, 15% of your purchase will be donated to his fund raiser.

Jen is also selling items to help raise money. Her roommate generously makes beaded items to sell, so Jonathon can get the things he needs. Bracelets and necklaces cost $2.00 each and animals cost $2.50 each- some of them even glow in the dark. Pencils shown are $1.00 each. Jen also has Apple Butter for sale- $2.50 for a small jar and $5.00 for a large jar.

Jen is planning a rummage sale on June 15th and 16th. If you would like to donate items for the sale, you can reach her at 282-0927.

A trust fund has also been set up under Jonathon’s name at Butte Federal Credit Union. Donation containers have been placed at Carpets Galore and Edward Jones next to Blondie’s Restaurant, both on the corner of Myers Street and Mitchell Avenue.

If you would like to help in some way, you can respond via this site or call Jen.



If you have ideas for other fund raisers, please let us know. Maybe we could get Cher to come to Oroville and do a benefit concert for Jonathon. Like this story on Facebook, retweet it on Twitter, and go to the site links here to send messages in support of this idea.

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