Medical challenges continue to impact a Greenwood County family, as they navigate multiple serious health concerns while trying to keep up with surgeries, specialist appointments, travel and the everyday costs of raising a family. Just last week, both a mother and her threemonth old son underwent surgery.
Amanda (McDonald) Drake was diagnosed with Acinic Cell Carcinoma (ACC) in 2024. ACC is a rare, slow-growing type of cancer that usually starts in the parotid gland, which is the main saliva gland near your cheek and ear. She underwent a lymph node removal last week. Depending on the pathology results, further treatment may be required.
At the same time, Drake and her husband Christian’s youngest son, threemonth- old baby, Bowen, was diagnosed with Sagittal Craniosynostosis and had a cranial vault strip surgery last week. Sagittal craniosynostosis, or scaphocephaly, is the most common type of craniosynostosis. It occurs when the seam (sagittal suture) along the top center of a baby’s skull closes too early, which can affect the shape and growth of the skull. Bowen will be wearing a helmet for threefour months, which will require frequent trips for adjustments.
Their older son, Rhett, was recently diagnosed with a heart murmur and scoliosis, requiring evaluation at Children’s Mercy.
“This year has brought challenges I never imagined for myself and my family,” stated Amanda.
As the family works through the coming months, Amanda has started “Amanda’s Sweet Creations” in an effort to help raise funds for fuel, travel and medical expenses and other basic necessities by baking sweet treats. She plans to be set up at the Severy Labor Day celebration on Monday, Sept. 7.
Donations to assist the Drake family can also be sent to Christian and/or Amanda Drake, 1355 M 50 Road, Eureka, KS 67045, or by visiting the GoFund-Me page at https://bit.ly/4c-6D7G8 (Courtesy photos)
