| Great Bend, KS—Seven-month old Mya Maxwell has been diagnosed with plagiocephaly and right torticollis (cranial deformity). Mya had early torticollis that was recognized soon after birth and plagiocephaly on the right side developed rather quickly. Mya displays severe right sided occipital flattening. Diligent neck execrcises and repositioning of Mya did not affect this very significant plagiocephaly. Infants with plagiocephaly may exhibit complex multi-structural asymmetry affecting the cranial vault, face and skull base. Previously, this diagnosis has required surgical intervention, Mya is being treated with a Dynamic Orthotic Cranioplasty Band. It works by applying dynamic pressures to reshape the skull while providing space for strategic growth as the brain grows during the first 18 months of a child’s life.
The mission of the March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality, that is why the Maxwell family has requested to become an ambassador family for the Salina Division of the March of Dimes. “ I wanted to share our story in hopes that we could build awareness about the March of Dimes mission of preventing birth defects,” said Becca Maxwell, Mya’s Mother. They are inviting everyone to join them on April 16th for the Great Bend March of Dimes WalkAmerica. For more information on the Great Bend WalkAmerica call 785.825.7476.
One in eight babies is born prematurely in the U.S. today, many times for unknown reasons. Premature birth is the leading cause of newborn death. Many babies that do survive suffer lifelong consequences including chronic health conditions and developmental disabilities.
The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a five-year campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at marchofdimes.com or its Spanish Web site at nacersano.org.
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