Benefit dinner and silent auction in the works for Hazel Goton of Shell

The Big Horn Basin is rallying to support two-year-old Hazel Goton of Shell as she faces more upcoming surgeries. 

Hazel, the daughter of Hayden and Davonne Goton, developed without a ductus venosus in the womb, which normally supplies blood from the umbilical cord to the fetus while in utero. In December, the family traveled to Denver, Colo. for a surgery on Hazel’s shunt vein, an irregularity that had developed to compensate for an undersized portal vein, designed to transport blood to the liver for detoxification. The plan was to close the shunt vein in the hopes that the portal vein would open up further bloodflow. 

Recently, the Gotons returned for a check-up on Hazel’s partially closed shunt vein. The doctors soon discovered it had sealed itself the rest of the way off independently.

“Gosh, it is crazy how quick kids heal up,” Davonne said. She relayed that Hazel has rapidly been growing her developmental abilities since the first surgery, which were never behind, but that Davonne felt had a missing piece. Her daughter was always a smart, observant kid, but now she’s a chatterbox, too, Davonne said. The doctors theorized that increased blood flow might have contributed into Hazel’s growth. 

While the shunt vein closed, a star cluster of veins has become apparent, which may require further attention. The Gotons are now “on standby,” set to check back in six months for further imaging. In September, the family will travel back to Denver. 

In the meantime, a benefit dinner and silent auction is being organized to support Hazel’s medical care, scheduled for Saturday, April 18 at the Greybull Elks Lodge. Two dinners are set to run at the same time: A special Thai beef curry cooked up by Benjaporn Helburn and a nacho dinner, both starting at 5 p.m. The Thai dinner will be RSVP only, $20, with RSVPs also appreciated for the nacho dinner at a suggested donation of $15. Text Hannah Stinson at 208-241-8452 or Davonne at 605-377-8644 to save your place.

The silent auction will conclude at 7 p.m. If big-ticket items come on the table, a live auction may be organized. Currently, a cornhole board built by Hayden will be among the items for sale. To donate auction items, text or call Madeline Cole 214-206-7888 or Kathy Jensen at 307-272-4292. A benefit account has been set up at Big Horn Federal under Hazel’s name.