Coram Mom Seeking Monetary Aid W/ Infant Son's Medical Conditions

CORAM, NY — A Coram family is seeking financial help related to medical conditions their infant son was born with.

Michelle McCaffrey said her son, Gavin, was born in August and was diagnosed with torticollis and plagiocephaly shortly after. Torticollis is a rare condition where the neck muscles contract, causing the head to twist to one side, while plagiocephaly, a flat spot on a baby's head, is considered common.

McCaffrey set up a GoFundMe on Dec. 18 to ask for help in off-setting the costs of her son's conditions.

The family has seen a neurosurgeon for Gavin's neck and head and were told he needs physical therapy three times a week, according to McCaffrey. Gavin was also fitted for a helmet that will cost upwards of $4,000; the family's health insurance plans won't cover the full costs because they believe helmets are cosmetic, McCaffrey said.

After the family met with an orthotist, who determined Gavin's whole face is shifting to the left, causing his ears to be off centered, and the back left side of his head is flat. The baby will be forced to wear the helmet 23 hours a day for a minimum of six months, the family said. McCaffrey added they'll have to drive Gavin an hour each way once a week for six months to have the helmet adjusted for him. On top of that, the family has an $80 copay for physical therapy due to the deductible.

Once Gavin is able to sit up and walk, he will still have balance issues. His eye coordination is also off because his "straight ahead" is his left.

"We have a long road ahead of us," McCaffrey wrote on the GoFundMe page. "Gavin would appreciate any help so that he can begin his journey to success!"

Six donors have raised $480 of the family's $15,000 goal so far.

McCaffrey said Gavin had his first physical therapy appointment on Christmas Eve in an update. While tears were shed, he did well, according to his mother.

"We are so excited for Gavin to be more comfortable and reach his full potential," she said. "Please keep sharing! And if you are able, no donation is too small."

Nicole Lopes, a friend of McCaffrey's, said McCaffrey has dedicated her life to helping people with disabilities.

"Now Michelle needs help getting her 4-month-old the help he needs, but due to insurance costs and issues, she is now left the one who needs help," Lopes told Patch.