At just five months old, Easton underwent cranial vault remodeling, a surgery to correct abnormalities in the shape of the skull. Now, he proudly celebrates the milestone every year, marking what he calls his ‘cranioversary’—or, as he fondly refers to it, his ‘scar day.’
A spirited 7-year-old with a big heart and unstoppable energy
Easton is an active and strong 7-year-old with a zest for life. A second grader full of curiosity, he’s passionate about reading, soccer, and karate—where he’s on the brink of earning his black belt. When he’s not honing his skills, you can find him performing in musicals with his sister, bringing his boundless energy to the stage. Always on the move, Easton is the type of kid who returns home from recess and lunch covered in sweat and dirt, ready for whatever adventure comes next.
His mom, Abby, proudly shares that one of Easton’s most remarkable qualities is his big heart. He’s passionate about helping seniors and those in need, often going out of his way to make a difference. Alongside his sister, Easton has organized donation drives and created care packages to support the homeless community.
Overcoming craniosynostosis with strength and resilience
When Easton was born, his mom noticed something was different about his head shape—it was shaped like a football. “Of course, he was beautiful, but it concerned me,” Abby recalled. The hospital staff reassured her, but Abby’s concern grew. After researching online, she discovered craniosynostosis, a condition that causes the skull to fuse too early.
At 3 ½ months old, Abby brought it up to Easton’s pediatrician, who immediately referred him to the CHOC Neurosurgery team.
The neurosurgeon confirmed that Easton had sagittal synostosis, a type of craniosynostosis where the sagittal suture, a seam in the skull, closes too early. Easton required cranial vault remodeling, a surgical procedure to correct the early fusion and prevent increased pressure in his skull.
At five months old, Easton underwent cranial vault remodeling surgery. Easton showed incredible strength and resilience. After just one night in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), he was discharged and returned to daycare the following week with his head wrapped in bandages. He wore a helmet for four months to help reshape his skull.
“Easton’s craniosynostosis journey was a success,” Abby said. “His scar is a daily reminder of that. He proudly gets haircuts that show his scar and isn’t shy about talking about it.”
One of the biggest surprises for Abby was discovering how mentally and physically resilient Easton is. Despite the nature of his skull surgery, Easton quickly bounced back to his baseline.
Watch Easton’s story (video):
A long road to diagnosis
Unrelated to his craniosynostosis, Easton had a persistent cough from a few months old. By the time he was 1 ½ years old, he had been on 17 rounds of antibiotics and/or steroids without relief. Abby knew something more was wrong and requested a referral to CHOC Pulmonology. Over the next year, he underwent multiple tests, including a CT scan, bronchoscopy, and lab work. His pulmonologist referred him to several specialists, including those in gastroenterology, hematology, genetics, psychology, and allergy.
After extensive testing, Easton was diagnosed with an airway clearance impairment and an antibody deficiency. In February 2020, he began IVIG infusions, and daily airway clearance therapy treatments using a high-frequency chest wall oscillation device, an inflatable vest that vibrates his chest to help loosen mucus.
While wearing the vest, Easton also inhales nebulized medications. He does this routine twice a day for 30 minutes each session, which he calls his “jiggle” because the vibrations make his body jiggle. These treatments have been helpful, and as a result, Easton’s daily cough disappeared. Over the past four years, he has rarely needed antibiotics.
Initially, the IVIG infusions were difficult for Easton. “It took me up to an hour to convince him to start his infusion because he was terrified of the process,” Abby said. “It was stressful for both of us. But after a few months of outpatient therapy with CHOC’s psychology team, we learned strategies to reduce his anxiety, like breathing exercises and visual imagery. Now, it only takes Easton five minutes to start his infusions.”
While Easton doesn’t love the treatments, Abby said, “He understands why he needs them and faces them with courage and strength.”
A relationship built on trust
Easton loves everyone at CHOC and often looks for reasons to wear CHOC gear. He has a special bond with his pulmonology team, especially Dr. Chana Chin. “Dr. Chin has gone above and beyond to find the best treatment plan for Easton,” Abby said. “She’s focused on both his physical and emotional well-being, and I know Easton is thriving because of her care.”
Celebrating Easton’s strength
Easton’s journey has taught Abby the importance of discussing health openly with children. As soon as Easton could walk and talk, the family began celebrating his “cranio-versary,” the anniversary of his cranial vault remodeling surgery, which Easton affectionately calls his “scar day.” Easton embraces his scar and has found his own way to describe it.
When he wrote a literature entry for a school competition on “Accepting Imperfection,” Easton proudly expressed his gratitude for his scar, saying he wouldn’t change the way he looks.
Abby believes in the power of allowing children to express their feelings about health treatments. “Talking about his treatments—whether it’s frustration, anger, or confusion—has helped Easton develop autonomy and understand his role in taking care of his body. We talk openly about his medications and treatments, empowering him to share his story with his friends and teachers when he’s comfortable.”
Abby encourages parents to embrace open communication. “Children follow their parents’ lead. I would encourage anyone starting this journey to not shy away from discussing health, as it helps children develop healthy coping skills.”
Abby’s Path to CHOC: A Full Circle Moment
In a full circle moment, Abby’s deep connection to Easton’s care inspired her to join the CHOC team. The week of Easton’s surgery, Abby submitted her resume to CHOC, hoping to be part of the incredible care that had helped her son so much. When an opening came up in February 2018, Abby was hired. Abby said that Easton’s journey inspired her to work at CHOC. She wanted to be part of the team that supported families like theirs and helped make a difference.
Today, Abby helps families navigate the complexities of their child’s care, just as her family did during Easton’s treatment. Her personal experience fuels her dedication to supporting others facing similar challenges.
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Learn more about CHOC’s Neuroscience Institute
CHOC Hospital was named one of the nation’s best children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report in its 2024-25 Best Children’s Hospitals rankings and ranked in the neurology and neuroscience specialties.
