Local child needs monetary help

Skylar, a 7-year-old student at Houlton Elementary School has been diagnosed with Marfan’s Syndrome. This condition is a genetic disorder that affects the body’s connective tissue. Since connective tissue is found throughout the whole body, everything is affected. Bones are longer, making the person taller and their fingers and toes longer. It also affects the elasticity of tendons and cartilage, the heart valves and blood vessels and other vital parts of the body. She has scoliosis and has an upper body cast to prevent any more curvature of the spine. Skylar has a new cast every four months. She cannot have surgery to put rods in her back until she is 12 years old, unless there are complications in the meantime.
Skylar is also experiencing vision problems and will be traveling to Boston to have lens replacement in both eyes. This will encompass at least 20 trips for each eye. The first surgery is planned for March 4 and the second surgery will be scheduled for six weeks later.
Even though she has been challenged with this health condition, Skylar enjoys going to school and being with her friends. She attends Terrific Tuesdays at the Military Street Baptist Church and just recently played Mary in the Out of the Box Christmas play. Skylar is also waiting to be assigned to a Girl Scout group and hopes to learn how to play the piano and dance.
There will be a benefit supper for Skylar at the Maliseet Rec on the Foxcroft Road in Houlton on Saturday, Feb. 22 from 5-6:30 p.m. An auction will follow the meal.