Meet Connor

Having no prior indication of a problem, Jack and Kelly Wright were stunned when their son, Connor, was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate (CLP), a treatable facial deformity of the lip and mouth.

The Wrights were not sure of their next step.

“Our emotions ran the full gamut,” says Kelly, “we were shocked, scared, upset and confused.”

Shortly after arriving home from the hospital, a local Shriner told Jack and Kelly about Shriners Hospitals for Children— Chicago and the cleft lip and palate program there. The family’s first visit confirmed that the hospital was a special place and the staff provided the information, support, and care they were looking for.

Connor’s initial CLP team was comparable to a small army! By meeting with a psychologist, dentist, orthodontist, plastic surgeon, surgical nurse, social worker and audiologist, the Wrights felt as though questions were thoroughly answered and their choices laid out for them. Mary O’Gara, director of the cleft/craniofacial team at the Shriners Hospitals for Children— Chicago, explained the treatment options at length and clarified what the family should be looking for in a doctor and medical care.

To date Connor has had his lip and palate repaired and has had three sets of ear tubes that help reduce fluid build-up in the middle ear, a common problem in children with CLP.

“The hospital is all about making the child feel healthy, normal, and special. Every visit is filled with doctors who know Connor’s name and who know our family,” says Kelly.

Connor, or “C-man”, can be found riding his bike, swimming, and hitting a golf ball. A family who loves sports and the outdoors, summer nights call for grilled cheeseburgers and smores at the Wright household.

The Wrights are quick to express their gratitude for Connor’s care, and have spearheaded an annual golf tournament fundraiser to benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children. The event tied in perfectly with the family’s athletic expertise. On Friday, July 24, 2009, the second annual Shriners Scramble Golf Tournament will take place in Sycamore, Ill., with proceeds benefiting the hospital. For more information about this event, please visit www.theshrinersscramble.com.

“Shriners hospital was an answer to our prayers. Not only did we feel we were able to provide our son the best treatment for immediate care, but we also knew we would be able to provide him with long-term care,” says Kelly, “That is the most unimaginable comfort for our family of five.”

Find out more about the cleft lip and palate program at Shriners Hospitals for Children— Chicago.