The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

EIGHTEEN–month-old Feliah Demi Dean was born with a rare birth defect and needs costly corrective surgery as it has left her with an abnormal nose.

Her parents, Frederick and Madea Dean, of Freeport, need to raise at least $40,000 for their daughter to undergo a critical surgical procedure at the Miami Children’s Hospital.

The Deans have no medical insurance and are appealing to the public for financial help to defray their medical costs.

Feliah – the couple’s first child – was born on December 18, 2013, and soon after her birth they were told by doctors that their baby’s nose had not fully formed. “She was the cutest thing ever,” Mrs Dean recalled.

She took Feliah to a paediatric plastic surgeon at the Miami Children’s Hospital, who diagnosed her as having a cleft nose. Doctors told the mother that the defect occurred early during foetal development in the womb.

Due to a sunken nose, Feliah has difficulty breathing. She also suffers from severe allergies and sinusitis.

“We will need to raise at least $40,000,” said Mrs Dean, who is appealing to anyone who might be able to help. “It’s a large sum, but I know that with the public’s help we can reach our goal. No amount is too big, or too small, and I will appreciate any amount that anyone can give.”

The Deans are hoping they can raise the money in time so that Feliah can have the surgery on June 25.

People interested in assisting the Deans and their daughter can call Mrs Dean at 375-5222 or make a financial contribution to the Royal Bank of Canada Branch #05285 to Demi’s Fundraiser, or visit Demi’s fundraising website http://www.gofundme.com/oyq6e4. and contribute online using their credit card or visit her facebook page Feliah Demi Dean for more information and photographs.