Outpouring of support continues for Jessica By Cammi Clark

Outpouring of support continues for Jessica

Aid "overwhelming" for girl in need of surgery to remove facial tumor, her mom says.

Thursday, February 08, 2007

By Cammi Clark Staff writer

Central New York angels answered the call for Jessica Musone's need to have surgery to remove a tumor from her face.

The 13-year-old Syracuse girl has the genetic disorder neurofibromatosis, and insurance has not paid the majority of a two-part, $50,000 surgery. But the surgeon has agreed to waive at least $6,000 still owed on the first surgery, and the insurer is re-evaluating how much it will pay for the second.

Here's a look at some other sources of help, according to Jessica's mother, Tammy Musone:

Dr. Enrique Armenta, who has an office in Syracuse, offered to perform Jessica's needed future cosmetic surgeries free.

Dr. Robert Dracker, who has an office in Liverpool, offered to pay a large portion of the balance of the second surgery through Charity for Children, based in Cicero. The charity also plans to donate money toward the surgery.

Todd's Fund, a Skaneateles philanthropy, donated $3,500.

Sammi's Beauty Box, Salina, is hosting a cut-a-thon fundraiser Sunday. The salon, at 2514 Brewerton Road, will charge $10 for men's haircuts and $15 for women's haircuts from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Bill Hesler, of Lysander, gave $1,000.

A flood of donations, calls and letters, from individual Central New Yorkers wanting to help, poured into the Musone home.

"Every day, I'm getting checks in the mail and phone calls with something new. It's overwhelming," said Tammy Musone. "All the donations we've gotten, they don't know Jessica. All these people are just coming forward. Words can't speak enough for what these people have done."

Donations and fundraisers have brought in between $8,000 and $9,000 so far for the costs remaining, said Jessica's aunt, Tina McCarthy, of Lakeport.

The Musones plan to donate any leftover money to Charity for Children, which financially assists Central New York families of chronically ill children.The Musones credit the charity with donating the money for a first appointment with Dr. Barry Zide, a specialist in New York City who is performing Jessica's surgeries.

Jessica had the first part of her surgery in November. In addition to waiving the remaining balance of that surgery, he will consider, if necessary, re-evaluating the cost of the second surgery. The second surgery originally was scheduled for last Monday, but the family was unable to raise enough money by that date. It's now scheduled for March 19, Tammy Musone said.