Jessica Jaskowiak was born with a rare condition called Crouzon syndrome—a genetic disorder that disrupts the natural growth of facial bones. From the start, her life was shaped by challenges that most of us can’t imagine. Bulging eyes. Difficulty breathing and chewing. Trouble with hearing and speech. Each day brought new obstacles. But Jessica faced them all with a quiet strength and a gentle heart that would one day inspire thousands.
For years, her parents Lynn and Paul watched their daughter struggle—and yet still smile. They knew that one day, a life-altering surgery might help their little girl step into a new chapter. That day finally came.
Video: Jessica’s Worldview (Crouzon Syndrome)
At age 11, Jessica traveled to Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital for a complex surgical procedure—one that would not only change how she looked, but how she experienced the world.
Her surgeon, Dr. John Polley, isn’t just a skilled pediatric plastic surgeon. He’s a pioneer in facial reconstruction. He developed the very device—known as a RED (Rigid External Distraction) device—that would play a key role in Jessica’s transformation.
This wasn’t cosmetic. It was life-changing.
The day before surgery, Jessica arrived with her parents and a box full of books and puzzles to donate to other children. That’s just who she is—kind-hearted, always thinking of others. Her mom, Lynn, smiled and said, “She’s always been like this—compassionate, maternal. I think it’s because so many people have cared for her.”
Despite nerves and a whirlwind of emotions, Jessica found strength in simple joys—like picking yellow socks from a nurse’s cart or hugging her stuffed lamb, Lambie, tightly.
Dr. Polley, with his signature retro glasses and calming presence, explained what was ahead. He would advance her entire face—forehead, cheeks, jaw—bringing it forward to allow for better breathing, vision, and function.
Video: Crouzon Triplets: Body Bizarre Episode 4
Early the next morning, Jessica put on her Garfield gown, held her new stuffed puppy “Spunky,” and headed to the surgical floor with her parents. Before entering the operating room, she told her mom, “You look like a doctor girl now,” referencing the gown and mask Lynn wore so she could stay with her during anesthesia.
The surgical team prepared Jessica’s head, braiding her hair and marking incision points. Dr. Lawrence Foody, a neurosurgeon, stood ready to assist, ensuring that every cut avoided sensitive areas of the brain.
The process was long and precise—five hours of intense collaboration. Dr. Polley and his team cut through the skin and carefully lifted it away to expose the skull. Then they secured metal plates and screws, preparing the bone for gradual movement. A halo-like device would eventually be attached to help guide new bone growth at a pace of 1 millimeter per day.
Dr. Polley’s surgical method is revolutionary. By using distraction osteogenesis—a technique that stimulates the body to grow new bone—Jessica’s face would slowly transform in a natural, gradual way. This innovation meant less risk of infection and better long-term outcomes.
And throughout the entire procedure, Jessica’s loyal stuffed companion, Lambie, waited just outside the OR on a gurney. It was a quiet symbol of the girl who had always faced adversity with grace.
When Dr. Polley walked into the post-op conference room, Lynn and Paul were exhausted but hopeful. “She’s doing great,” he told them, adding, “It couldn’t have gone any better.”
For the next several weeks, Jessica’s parents would be responsible for turning the screws on the halo device twice a day—slowly adjusting her facial bones to grow and reshape. It’s an emotional process. But it’s also a chance to witness something miraculous: the gradual unveiling of their daughter’s new face.
Jessica’s transformation isn’t just physical. It’s emotional. It’s symbolic. Every millimeter of bone that moves forward represents years of waiting, wondering, and wishing for something better.
She’s not just a patient. She’s a symbol of resilience.
And she’s not just changing her life—she’s changing the way people see children with differences. Her mom put it best: “We don’t mind sharing this story because there are so many people out there who have similar experiences. You want to help. You want to build understanding.”
This story isn’t about medical miracles alone. It’s about a family that never gave up. A team of doctors who dared to dream bigger. And a little girl with a big heart, showing the world what bravery truly looks like.
Every wire turned. Every bandage changed. Every hug from mom and dad. It’s all part of a journey toward healing—and becoming.
Jessica’s journey reminds us that challenges don’t define us. How we respond to them does. And her response? Courage, compassion, and a smile that speaks louder than any scar.
Jessica Jaskowiak’s transformation is more than medical. It’s a human story of love, innovation, and bold faith. Born with a rare condition, she’s faced hardship most can’t imagine. But with a team of experts, unwavering parents, and a spirit full of light, she’s rewriting her story—one millimeter at a time.
And in doing so, she’s not just changing her reflection. She’s changing hearts.