Aiden McVicker is the 17 year old son of Jamey and Amy McVicker.  He resides in their Cameron home with two siblings, Avery 15, and Addison 12.  Aiden has an extraordinary spirit and an unmatched love of life that the world needs to know.   

Aiden was born on May 4th, 2001 with bilateral anophthalmia.  This means that he was born without eyes or any eye structure (optic chiasm, nerve, etc.).  As a result, Aiden does not possess vision or light perception.  His treatment, as of now, concentrates on protecting the ocular cavity and associated sinuses by preventing the frontal bone from collapsing in on the voided area.  This treatment has entailed four surgeries thus far.  The most recent involved using “hydrogel expanders”, a cutting edge prosthesis for the United States.  These implants are inserted and sutured into the orbital void to provide the pressure necessary to prevent collapse.   

Aiden’s spine developed neuromuscular scoliosis at the age of 4.  He endured a corrective brace for 1 year with no improvement.  In June of 2006, it was deemed necessary that surgical intervention was needed before the curve progressed more, or Aiden’s quality of life would be diminished and drastically reduced.  While undergoing testing for the corrective spine surgery, it was found that his lower spinal cord would need untethered to allow the spinal cord to be extended.  This meant another spine surgery in October 2006 to prepare for “the big one.”    

In January of 2007, this 6 year old boy then underwent a 6 hour “growth rod” spine surgery, comprised of 2 rods inserted on each side of the spine.  They are then anchored in the hips and upper vertebrae by screws.  He spent 5 days in ICU on a ventilator and other support monitors.  On the 6th day he was released to a regular room and was home the next day. 

Biannual surgeries are required as Aiden grows. During these procedures, an adjustable “connector” is accessed to lengthen, compensating for growth.  Aiden endured one “final” surgery to fuse his spine this past October.  It was a 9 hour procedure with an expected 4 week hospital stay.  Aiden, overcoming a few obstacles, fought through recovery wonderfully and made it home after 6 days! 

His recovery was made even faster being home in his familiar surroundings.Aiden’s mom, Amy, has been employed with the City of Cameron, MO for 16 years.  Dad, Jamey, is in his 19th year as a Firefighter with the City of St. Joseph, MO.  Aiden is the most fun-loving, trusting and hard-working kid one could meet. 

The moment you hold him, see him smile or hear his giggle, you realize that he gives so much of himself to you.  He cannot verbally express his strong spirit, but he knows how to love even though he has had to fight for every second to do it!  Aces Fore Aiden was established to honor him and his spirit.