The doctor discovered the goose-egg-sized lump on Otto Scofield’s head on his first birthday last September.
Within months, his parents Bryan and Bridgett Scofield learned that their redheaded toddler had the rare congenital bone disorder osteogenesis imperfecta. It is commonly called brittle-bone disease because it causes bones not to fully form, leaving children prone to easy fractures. Other symptoms can include hearing loss, protruding eyes and dental issues that can lead to complete tooth loss.
Otto was diagnosed with a mild version of the disease, but one that still poses risks.
“Outwardly he looks pretty normal except he is really small and has a really big head,” said his mother. “He’s hitting milestones with walking and running, but his bones aren’t as strong as normal bones.”
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In July, the Scofields, who are in the process of divorcing, will travel to California so that Otto can undergo treatments at a hospital there. They also will meet with a pediatric dentist to explore options to save his teeth, which easily break and will likely need to be fully capped at a cost of $6,000, Bridgett Scofield said. Her husband last week started a new job and she does not work, spending all of her time managing their son’s medical care. The family is on AHCCCS, which covers many of the medical bills, but not the dental.
Which is why Bridgett Scofield and a friend put together Otto’s Fundraiser. They hope to raise money to help pay the dental bill and also raise awareness of osteogenesis imperfecta.
The event Saturday will include a food truck rally, live music and a silent art auction. There will be kids’ activities and each child will get a gift bag. A dining out basket of local restaurant gift cards and a stay at a Tucson hotel will be among items raffled off.
Otto’s California trip will be the first of many. Bridgett Scofield said she anticipates returning to California every few months to continue the treatments that doctors hope will help stimulate bone growth.
“Right now we have to protect him from falls,” said his 27-year-old mother, a Florida native and artist who moved to Tucson five years ago. “Exercise is a must for him, but it has to be in a controlled environment like a swimming pool.”
Bridgett Scofield, who used to paint dark, brooding images, painted a 3ƒ -foot picture of dogs, snails and butterflies in bright colors that will be auctioned Saturday.
“Ever since I had him, everything has changed to bright scenes,” said Bridgett Scofield, who started her one-woman Art for Angels project to send art to children suffering from brittle-bone disease. She said she paints and sends five 4-inch by 4-inch canvas block paintings to sick children every month.
