Science shows that approximately 1 in 2,000 people are born with a rare genetic disorder. This fact brings to light the incredible diversity and complexity of human biology.
This story proves once again that the support of our loved ones is really important. Courtney and Gavin, parents with a special daughter, share their inspiring experience with many people on their social networks about what it’s like to have a child with a cleft lip to help other families who are going through the same thing.
Courtney and Gavin Gardner welcome their daughter, Sutton, who was born with a cleft lip. The mother is concerned about the health of her second child and spends the entire night after Sutton’s birth worrying and praying that everything will be okay. In the 20th week of her pregnancy, the doctor performs an ultrasound, revealing that the baby has the so-called “rabbit lip.” When Gardner receives the news, he is in for a real shock.
The last part they did was the ultrasound on her face, and then the specialist said, ‘Oh, she really has a cleft lip.’ This could happen,” says Courtney. Cleft lip and palate are very rare conditions affecting 1 in 1,600 babies and occur when a baby’s lips or mouth do not develop normally during pregnancy. This can be caused by various factors, such as food or drugs that the mother took, but it can also be a type of genetic predisposition.
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Courtney says all the comments about her daughter have been kind and encouraging, with most people saying how beautiful she is. The post inspired many people to share their stories and photos. The Gardners are motivated to create their own Facebook page, My Cleft Cutie, to help other parents who are going through a similar diagnosis with their child. “My little princess was born with a bilateral cleft. Fortunately, her palate was intact. Daddy and I assure her every day that she is the most beautiful girl in the world, and her personality is amazing,” commented a mother under the Facebook post.
The parents are worried about their daughter’s health but also very grateful to the hospital, which is helping them immensely during this incredible journey. Sutton’s cleft palate made bottle feeding a real challenge, and she spent the first 18 days of her life in the neonatal intensive care unit. The little girl is expected to undergo the first of a series of surgeries in just a matter of days, with the next one when she turns one. Specialists are adamant that intensive work with a speech therapist will be necessary.
“Although things are scary and may seem bleak in this initial period for little Sutton, this is actually a condition that is 100% treatable and manageable,” says Courtney. Her parents describe her as very social, lively, smiling, and truly happy, especially when her older brother is by her side. And they hope that one day this story will be just a memory of the past.
