Surgery Date!!

We finally have a date for Huntar's surgery. It'll be taking place Feb. in Chicago!! Please keep him in your prayers. Thank you for your support :) God Bless*

Aishah's letter to Shriner

Dr. Peter Sturm
Chief of Staff
Pediatric Orthopedics
Shriners Hospital for Children
2211 North Oak Park Ave.
Chicago, IL 60707


Dear Dr. Sturm,

My name is Aishah Valencia, and I am contacting you on behalf of the family of Huntar and Barbara Gustafson.

I am writing to you at this time to appeal for information regarding Huntar’s case. I realize that you will be leaving Shriners at the end of the month, and that Huntar’s case has been passed onto another doctor. If at all possible could you please help us understand the status of Huntar’s case by addressing the following questions:

• What are the criteria used to determine whether Shriners will perform a surgery or not?
• Given that Shriners advised Huntar’s surgery be performed not much later than mid-September, should we be concerned that the surgery was not performed within the bounds of the suggested timeframe?
• Is there a point at which surgery is deemed to risky for the hospital to assume? If so, have we reached this point?
• I understand that Shriners treats children with rare disorders, including spinal deformities. Being that Huntar is the 3rd diagnosed case in the U.S., the 9th in the world, could his surgery be used to reinforce Shriner’s excellent reputation for groundbreaking research and care?

Quite frankly, our last hope for Huntar’s future well-being lies in the good hands of Shriners Chicago. As I am sure you can understand, Huntar’s family, friends, and well-wishing strangers are anxious about disposition of Huntar’s case. Huntar is from Houghton¬¬, a small town in Upper Michigan. Many members of the community have come together to do what they can to support Barbara and Huntar—emotionally and financially. Articles have been written about Huntar and letters have been sent to the likes of Oprah, Ellen DeGeneres Show, etc. Numerous fundraisers have been held and many avenues have been explored. Shriners Chicago taking interest in Huntar’s case is a saving grace. We are eager to schedule a surgery and would very much appreciate any additional information you are willing to provide on Huntar’s case. Thank you!

Sincerely a concerned family friend,

Aishah Valencia

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Also, another update.
The day after Huntar's mother recieved a phone call from Grand Rapids, she picked up her phone to hear from Shriners Children's Hospital in Chicago. Her and Huntar packed their bags and headed down to Illinois almost immediately. Huntar had a check up and he will be having his surgery at Shriners in September. We will find out definite dates as it approaches.

We'd also like to thank everyone who donated, shopped and spread the word about the Rummage Sale in Houghton. It was a HUGE success and we had so many people come through. It was amazing to see such a responce from the community.

Order Your Huntar's Helping Hands Tshirt or Sweatshirt Today!!!!

T-Shirts are $15.00 and have been pre-ordered in sizes: Sm - 2XL

Hoodies cost $25.00 and have been pre-ordered in sizes M-2XL

For more information or to place your order contact Erica: ericaahola@gmail.com

GRAND RAPIDS!!!!!

I don't have a lot of information yet, but I did hear from Barb today..... Grand Rapids is going to take on Huntar's case!!!! Another update will come as more information becomes available!!!!!!


Don't forget-

The benefit Rummage Sale in Hancock is happening this Friday and Saturday......

You can "Feed the Pig" at Napa in Houghton to help........

There are cans all over the Copper Country "Change for Huntar"

And very soon, you will be able to order a Huntar's Helping Hands T-shirt or Sweatshirt!

Benefit Photos

Today marked the end of another successful Benefit Event! However, there is still a LONG way to go before all of the necessary funds will be raised. Here are a few photos from the benefits thus far. Thank you all for keeping Huntar in your thoughts and prayers and for supporting both him and Barb on this journey.

Here are some photos from the Pancake Breakfast:

Here are some photos from the Karaoke Night at Bleacher's Sports Bar:

Here are a few pictures from the Benefit Yardsale in Ishpeming:

There will be information coming soon, but we plan to sell T-shirts and Sweatshirts to help raise funds too! Huntar enjoyed his first time finger painting and we turned his hands into a great logo!

Updates and Upcoming Benefits

The Daily Mining Gazette featured a story about Huntar's situation, and a number of benefits are taking place during the month of June across the Upper Peninsula.

June 5: Bleacher's Sports Bar in Hancock- Karaoke Night 8pm-2am, part of the proceeds will go to the Huntar Gustafson Fund


June 11, 12, & 13: Benefit Yard Sale: 117 New York St, Ishpeming. Friday Noon-7, Saturday and Sunday 9am-3pm. To donate or help out contact Amy at 906 225 5594 or Amber at 906 362 4441

Another Benefit Yardsale will be held in the Copper Country the last weekend in June. More information will be coming soon.

This is what I know in terms of an update:

1) Through the power of social networking and folks spreading the word contact was made with a doctor downstate who knows a couple of other doctors who may be able to help Huntar. A copy of the imaging studies done has been sent to them for review. At this point, we are just waiting to hear back from them.

2) Barb's dad has been trying to get to the bottom of what exactly caused the services in Minnesota to be denied. It appears that the insurance was willing to pay a percentage of the cost, but the hospital was not willing to accept that percentage. I believe that there are a few lawyers involved at this point, as there was a question as to whether the hospital was in violation with their Medicaid contract/agreement in denying Huntar's care. Everyone seems to be pointing fingers at everyone else and no formal denial of services has been received in writing, although it has been requested.

3) Huntar seems to be doing well at this point, but we are still looking at any options out there. If you have any other suggestions or recommendations please continue to pass the information along.

Thanks for your continued support!