About The Lórien Society

The Lórien Society is a not-for-profit organization whose founder, Brandon Creasman, has a son who was born with a unilateral cleft lip and palate. Just after his second birthday, Porter received a diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder. The mission of our group is to be a support structure for people who are facing the challenges of caring for a child with either of these greatly misunderstood challenges.

Porter Lórien Creasman, born August 27, 2002, was fortunate enough to be a patient of the world renowned expert Dr. Ian Jackson and his amazing team at The Craniofacial Institute in Southfield, MI. Utilizing his years of research, Dr. Jackson conducted a series of procedures that resulted in successes once only dreamt of.

Though the three major surgeries turned out to be tremendously successful, each was preceded by anxiety, stress, and heartache for Porter, his parents, and generally everyone who knew him. Before and after the procedures were completed, Brandon experienced feelings no parent should have to go through. There was no support group, no one who had been through the same process who could help him through it, or even help overcome the feelings of isolation. The uniqueness of the challenges meant a lack of information out there for outsiders to help them understand, and though well-wishers certainly meant well, their lack of information on the subject often made their comments seem insensitive, which of course made Brandon feel defensive rather than supported. And foremost, he felt the kind of helplessness that only comes from wishing you could trade places and spare your child’s pain.

To meet the goals of this grassroots endeavor, we plan to have fundraisers and benefit concerts to raise awareness and funding. In the grand tradition of our mentors The Rex Foundation, Waterwheel, and Bama Rags, there will be periodic performances and releases by Brandon and his network of musicians and friends, with all proceeds to benefit The Lórien Society. The calendar for the first few benefit shows is still being finalized, and our plan for a large scale concert with national and local acts is on track for summer 2006.

This site will be under construction for some time to ensure accuracy and quality, but there are a number of great internet resources available right now:

Brandon has been through the system and is willing to share insider insights with anyone who feels any of the above concerns. They have been through the ambiguous doctor explanations, the myriad of pre-appointments and post-checkups, and the stacks of literature filled with optimistic thoughts and harrowing photos, followed by disclaimers. It is an overwhelming ordeal that often makes parents feel that they have no input, as it all moves so quickly. Above all, we want to be the advocates that we wish we had while our son was going through this trying time.

Sincerely,

Porter and Brandon
248-417-1000
brando@brandoncreasman.com