Meet Micah Wikman—a Kosair Kid
When 2-year-old Micah Wikman was born, her tiny face was
covered with several large skin protrusions or growths. Although
the protrusions were not life threatening, Micah's parents
worried that they might eventually affect her self-esteem.
"They were very noticeable... she had one the size of a
pencil eraser right in the frown line by her mouth and three
near her ear," said Micah's mom, Jeanine Wikman. "I was concerned
that they might lower her self confidence as she grew up,
but I knew we couldn't afford to pay for the surgery."
After their insurance company refused to cover the cost of
removing the protrusions, citing that it would be cosmetic
surgery, Jeanine and Craig Wikman wondered if their daughter
would have to grow up with other children making cruel comments
and adults staring curiously. Those fears were quickly alleviated
when Kosair Charities stepped in to cover the cost of Micah's
surgery, which was performed when she was eight months old.
To look at the adorable toddler now — as she plays
with her brothers Jacob and Caleb in their Mount Washington
home - it's impossible to tell that Micah's cute face was
once covered with growths.
"We felt really fortunate that we found Kosair Charities
and so grateful that they paid for the surgery," Micah's mom
added. "We feel really blessed that Kosair Charities was there
for us. It's wonderful to know there is an organization like
that to help parents like us, ones who are working and trying
to make ends meet."
Without Kosair Charities, the Shriners and other Kosair supporters,
the Wikmans say they would have not had anywhere to turn for
help for Micah. Although it was elective surgery, the mental
health and well-being of Micah was a top priority for Kosair
so that she could lead a normal, healthy life.
"I know that the Shriners do good work because my grandfather
was a Shriner. Plus, I spent a lot of my time as a child in
the Shrine hospital in Philadelphia and all my care was free,"
said Jeanine Wikman, who has spina bifida. "The Shriners do
so many things to help kids. When I saw that Kosair Charities
was connected with the Shriners, I contacted them because
I knew how generous the Shriners are about helping children.
I can't say enough good things about the Shriners and Kosair
Charities."
Kosair Charities — protecting the most precious gift
of all, thanks to the generosity of caring people like you!
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