Parents will do anything for their children, especially Jeremy Cortner, father of son, Casey. According to Journel Sentinel Casey was diagnosed with craniosynostosis at birth, which is a rare condition in which the bones in the skull fuse together prematurely.
Although this condition can be treated with corrective surgery, signs of the craniosynostosis still persist.
In Casey’s case, he had this surgery within a year after birth to remove the pressure that was building up inside his brain. Even though this surgery was successful, Casey was left with a shaved head and a giant scar that spans across his head.
When Casey was younger, he didn’t notice the scar, but now he is six years old. He has a full head of hair that helps conceal the scar, but he is still self-conscious. Making matters worse is the fact that Casey will soon need another surgery to repair the “soft spots” on his skull, which will only resurface the scar again.
Even though Casey will be self-conscious once more, he won’t be alone this time.
His father Jeremy will share his scar, as he got a huge tattoo replicating Casey’s real scar on his head, so they can pull off this look together.
What was Casey’s reaction to his father’s tattoo? He didn’t know what a tattoo was.
However, this apathetic reaction was exactly what the Cortner family wanted because that is the attitude with which they treat Casey’s scar: like it’s not a big deal.
So then what prompted Jeremy to do this to himself?
He describes that he just wanted his son to know that scars are nothing to be embarrassed of, and that they are actually just signs of survival and strength. He doesn’t want Casey to feel alone because he doesn’t look like everyone else:
“I don’t have his scar, but by him seeing it (tattoo), he won’t think he’s that different.”
This heartwarming story is perfect for National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month. There are wonderful people out there who will stand by these patients’ sides throughout their entire journey with rare disease and help them in any way that they can, big or small.
To read more about the Cortner family, click here to be taken to the original article from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel!
