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SALT LAKE CITY — At 11 years old, Edison Dunn is a middle child with a big personality, a love for basketball and dreams of one day playing in the NBA. But behind his bright smile is a story of resilience, strength, and the life-changing care he’s received at Primary Children’s Hospital. Edison was born with Apert syndrome, a rare condition that affects the shape of the skull, hands, and feet. “It’s a fusion of all the sutures in the skull,” explained his dad, Josh Dunn. “And the fingers and toes more specifically. It’s probably one in 70,000.” From the moment he was born, Edison’s journey was anything but typical. His parents, Megan and Josh Dunn, remember the difficult delivery and the moment they realized something was different. “They laid him on my wife’s chest, and I noticed one of his hands looked like a glove,” Josh Dunn said. “His head was a different shape. I’d never seen anything like it.” By the end of the day, Edison was transferred to Primary Children’s Hospital, where his lifelong relationship with the medical team began. [gallery columns="5" ids="781781,781780,781779,781778,781777"]
A life of surgeries and support
Since then, Edison has undergone around 35 surgeries, including cranial expansions, facial reconstructions, and procedures to improve the function of his hands and eyes. “We cut off the back of his head and put in an expansion,” Megan said. “He had little antennas, and we pushed it back. He’s had a halo to pull out his midface—and he’ll need another one for his lower face.” Despite the challenges, Edison’s parents say the hospital has become a place of peace. “We’ve created so many relationships there,” Josh said. “It’s a place of comfort.” “We love all of his doctors,” Megan added. “They check in with us. I feel safe in their hands.”
A Community of Caring
Through their journey, the Dunns have connected with other families facing difficult diagnoses. “I’ve met parents in the elevator whose kids are fighting cancer,” Josh said. “There’s a community here—you can tell that person, ‘We’re here for you.’” “I’ve exchanged numbers with other moms in waiting rooms,” Megan said. “We’ve even had playdates.”
Looking Ahead
Edison’s future includes more surgeries—but also more dreams. “He tells me all the time he wants to be in the NBA,” Josh said. “And who am I to say he can’t?” Whether it’s basketball or something else, Edison’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible with the right care, support, and a whole lot of heart.
Help Kids Like Edison: Join the KSL Give-A-Thon
Edison’s journey is one of many made possible by the expert care and compassion at Primary Children’s Hospital. You can help more kids like Edison by supporting the KSL Give-A-Thon. Tune in to KSL TV on June 4 for a day of inspiring stories and live interviews. You can donate now at KSLKIDS.com Your support ensures that every child—regardless of their family’s ability to pay—receives the care they need to heal, grow, and dream big.
