Imagine never having seen your three-year-old child smile.
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This is the reality for Wagga mother Alissa Heffy.
Jacob’s medical condition, called Moebius syndrome, means that his facial paralysis renders him unable to show any emotion on his face.
The Heffys have faced a constant struggle since Jacob was born but their beautiful boy has fought a noble battle.
He has survived numerous surgeries and emergency trips to Sydney for treatment and more than 100 cardiac arrests.
But Jacob has not been discharged from hospital since birth and the most consecutive amount of time he has spent at home is a night.
With oxygen tanks, feeding tubes, wheelchairs and medical equipment, Mrs Heffy said taking Jacob away from the hospital is equivalent to packing for a week-long holiday.
Mrs Heffy constantly updates the Smiles 4 Jacob Facebook page with her son’s progress or doctor visits.
The page got it’s name from Mrs Heffy's daughter, who said because Jacob cannot smile, we will smile for him.
The Specialist Medical Resources Foundation (SMRF) started in Wagga last year and provides grants of up to $5000 for medical equipment, aids and expenses.
SMRF’s founder and manager, Angela Boulton, said the organisation is now committed to helping Jacob and his family.
“When I read the case story on him, it was such a sad little story but they are a happy family,” she said.
SMRF has started a fundraising campaign to raise up to $25,000 to buy the Heffy’s a car with a wheelchair ramp and all the fittings to carry Jacob’s equipment.
Numerous events are currently being planned to raise money and it will be the first SMRF case where the organisation helps a client beyond their usual limits.
Mrs Heffy said she is overwhelmed by their support.
“This car means we could do more things as a family,” she said.
"It would be so much easier for our family.”
Donations can be made by visiting www.smrf.org.au and clicking on the Smiles 4 Jacob link.