Cranial Facial Syndrome

Hello, my name is Jeff Perry, and both my daughter Victoria and I have been treated at Children’s Hospital.

I was born with a birth defect called Cranial Facial Syndrome. I had my first head surgery when I was just three months old and spent most of my childhood under doctors’ care at the Children’s Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. There are no words to describe this hospital, but what an awesome place! The doctors and staff were really great! They took the time to listen to me and really tried to understand the situation.

My birth defect changed my life in some ways. I always pictured myself as a defensive tackle for the University of Tennessee (Go Vols!) but since I had to be very careful about things hitting my head, I was never able to play football. Over the years, I have been teased and made fun of, but I have also made some wonderful friends. I have been blessed with a beautiful wife, Samantha, and three great kids: Joshua Martin, Victoria Perry and Nicklaus Perry.

I also have the best parents anybody could ask for. They were always there for me during the eight different surgeries that I had at Children’s, including the one where I had my jaw broken as a teenager.

Since becoming an adult, I have been told by other doctors to check on getting disability. However, as long as the Good Lord makes me able to bathe, dress and feed myself and take care of my family, I don’t want disability. I currently work two jobs, and feel that if this is the life that God has for me, then I will bear that cross with honor. I am proud to be a Christian and am able to praise God for making me unique.

My daughter, Victoria, was also diagnosed with Cranial Facial Syndrome and had head surgery at Children’s Hospital when she was two years old. She is a smart and wonderful little girl who keeps her head up and goes on with her life, even though she has been through a lot to be only seven years old. She may need more surgeries in her life, and if she does, I would not think of going anywhere except Children’s Hospital.

Thank you, Dr. Grant, for taking care of my daughter. Thank you, Children’s Hospital, for everything you have done for both of us. We are so thankful there is a place like Children’s.

God bless you all,
Jeff and Victoria Perry
The entire Perry family