Lindsey suffers from a rare genetic disorder known as Goldenhar Syndrome and has sought treatment across the nation in her quest for healing.  When she was born, the doctors did not let her mother, Nell, see her.  “They scooped her up and whisked her away in tense silence, “ Nell recalls. “I do remember seeing her precious, little ear flattened against her head, but I had no idea what was going on. All I knew was that she did not look right.”  Ultimately, the hospital summoned a geneticist. He was not certain, but his best guess was Goldenhar Syndrome, but Lindsey presented with so many other symptoms that just did not make sense.

Goldenhar Syndrome is a congenital birth defect, which manifests itself as deformities of the face. It usually affects one side of the face only. Common characteristics include a partially formed or totally absent ear with the chin positioned closer to the affected ear. One corner of the mouth is typically higher than the other, and there may be benign growth of the eye or a missing eye – as in Lindsey’s case.  Goldenhar is also known as Oculoauicular Dysplasia or OAV.

In addition to the deformities Lindsey endured, she also suffered from a full range of allergies, asthma, acid reflux and sleep apnea. She would stop breathing completely during the night – then vomit all over herself as she gasped for air and her respiration revived.  As a young girl she endured over sixty surgeries before she even came to the WCF.

Though she has had an extremely difficult time, Lindsey has remained dedicated to improving her health and her appearance and working hard in school and in life.  “Lindsey is incredibly outgoing and has been as long as I can remember. Her personality is effervescent at times and her scrappy sense of humor really seems to attract people. She has never shied away from coming face to face with others and has never felt inferior in any way.  She says exactly what she thinks and is sincerely comfortable with herself,” says her Mom.  Lindsey has made it her goal to work very hard in science and math.  “I’m going to need it if I’m going to become a doctor,” she says.