Over the next few weeks, this devotional page will most likely turn into an update page on Mia and her progress before, during and after her surgery as she recovers. We have received support and encouragement from so many people over the last year, and we are very appreciative. Knowing our daughter is being prayed for every day by people we have never even met is very humbling and gives me and Jase an extra measure of strength that helps us keep going. Mia is a tough little girl who has never once complained about having to go through these procedures. Somehow, she has accepted this and takes on every challenge like a true champion. She is definitely an inspiration, not only to her family but, as Jase and I have learned, to so many people all around the world. What a blessing to be used by God in such a big way! Romans 5:3-4 says, “…but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” We have witnessed this first hand in Mia, and we have seen how her life has brought hope to other children and their families because of her perseverance and character.
Some of my family members as well as Duck Commander have posted about this surgery on their Facebook pages, Twitter and Instagram because they want our fans and supporters to pray for Mia, the doctors and all the medical staff that will be performing this very intricate surgery. The need for this surgery is not new as many children have needed and had this problem corrected by surgical means for many years. However, Mia’s amazing surgeon, Dr. David Genecov, has invented a brand new procedure that will not be nearly as invasive as the one we have been dreading for the last year. Originally, she was to have a procedure where a device called a “Halo” would be inserted into her skull to stabilize her top jaw, which will be broken and moved forward, for up to 12 weeks post-op. As you can imagine, this is a very traumatic procedure and recovery for any child. As relieved and excited as we are that Mia will not have to endure the Halo, we are also pretty frightened of the unknown. Her jaw still has to be broken and moved to another position inside her mouth, but Dr. Genecov has a new way of stabilizing it, all to be done internally for less recovery time, hopefully somewhere between 6-10 weeks. He and his entire team is an answer to our daily prayers to help spare Mia from the type of suffering she was on the road to endure. This team loves these kids and is always looking for new and better ways to make their lives better. And for that, we are most grateful!
To help other cleft kids find the specialty care they need, our family established the Mia Moo Fund. Money in this fund does not go toward Mia’s care but to children born with clefts who need specialty care but find it hard to afford the procedures or travel expenses. We are currently selling necklaces that help in this effort, and so many of you have bought one or more to wear on March 27th and throughout her recovery in support of Mia’s surgery. We are overwhelmed with the response and have been completely humbled by the amount we have sold! So many kids and their families will be blessed because of your generous acts. To order a necklace, please go to http://www.missyrobertson.com/mia-moo-jewelry. They are only $16, and all proceeds will go to the Mia Moo Fund. If you will post a picture on Twitter of your wearing the necklace, we will try to retweet as many as possible.
As big an event as this upcoming surgery will be on March 27th, Mia has another big event happening this weekend, starting tonight. Her cheer squad from North Elite Cheer Athletics in Monroe is competing at the 2015 UCA International All Star Championship in Disneyworld! All of her younger cousins along with Korie, Jessica, Jep and I have been celebrating all week with her and having a great time at all the Disneyworld parks. She has found a new love in gymnastics, tumbling and cheer and has put her talents to good use in competition cheer. She absolutely loves it, and I am a pretty proud mom watching her accomplish such a big goal. If you would like to follow this weekend’s competition and cheer Mia and her squad on, please follow @UCAupdates on Twitter and Instagram.
Thanks again for all the encouragement and support that you have given Mia and our entire family. We know that all things are possible with God, and we have total faith that He will take care of all of us!
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