Benefit concert set for youngster
SANDPOINT - Nicholas Peacock is one of the happiest and cutest four-and-half-year old boys you have ever seen.
His dream is to, run and climb and go "super fast" like all of his friends, says his mom, Kristan Peacock.
Recently, the family learned of a procedure they hope will make Nicholas' dream come true and give the youngster, who has an undiagnosed genetic neurological syndrome, a chance run and play like other kids. Unfortunately, medical insurance will only cover about $5,000 of the estimated $15,000-$20,000 cost.
To help the family, friends set up a benefit account for Nicholas at Panhandle State Bank and a benefit concert will be held Saturday at the Bonner County Fairgrounds band shell from 4-8 p.m.
Revolver, a Beatles Tribute band will headline the show. Singer song-writer Crystalyn and eclectic musician MacArthur will open the show. Gift donations may be made at any Panhandle State Bank, or mailed to Panhandle State Bank, PO Box 967, Sandpoint, ID 83864, C/O Nicholas Peacock Benefit.
With the neurological syndrome Nicholas has, his muscles become spastic or tight, said Kristan Peacock. The area of Nicholas's brain affects the nerves that control the muscles. Without proper signals from the brain, the muscle of the legs will flex uncontrollably, which makes it difficult to walk.
Those with the syndrome wear braces to keep their legs from flexing and medicines like Botox can be used to paralyze the tight muscles and allow them to relax. However, the results from Botox treatments are temporary, lasting only three to four months. In extreme cases, the tendons where muscles attach to bones can be cut and completely stop the muscle flexing the joint. SPML is cutting the thin sheet of tissue (fascia) that surrounds muscle.
Recently, the Peacocks learned of a new procedure - selective percutaneous myofascial lengthening performed by Dr. Ray Nuzzo at Overlook Hospital in Summit, N.J. The son of friends, Mick, who had never been able to walk without the help of a walker, had the procedure and now can walk on his own on flat and un-even surfaces, Kristan Peacock said.
After sending medical records, X-rays and a video of how Nicholas walks, Scott and Kristan Peacock received the news they have been waiting for, Dr. Nuzzo believes Nicholas will walk without a walker if he undergoes this treatment.
"Through tiny holes in the skin, Dr, Nuzzo feels for the tight areas and makes small cuts allowing the muscles to relax without destroying its function," Kristan Peacock said. "This simple procedure has worked well for Mick and has given thousands of people a better quality of life."
The new procedure offers Nicholas a chance to run "super fast" like other little boys after a barrage of testing over the past three years, from MRIs to metabolic testing, DNA and genetic testing to a spinal tap. None of the tests resulted in a diagnosis that could lead to answers in her son's life, Peacock said.
This procedure offers that hope.
The Peacocks are scheduled to fly to New Jersey and have this life changing procedure on Oct. 14.
"How can you put a price on a child's ability to walk and run unassisted?," Kristan Peacock said.
The procedure is expected to cost between $15,000 and $20,000. Unfortunately, the Peacocks' insurance will only cover $5,000.