Michelle’s journey started at  Nicklaus Children’s Hospital  before she was even born. We found out that Michelle was going to be born with a cleft lip and palate at my 20-week anatomy scan. The news was unexpected and was difficult to understand but I was assured that everything was going to be fine and that the pediatric craniofacial team at Nicklaus Children’s was one of the best and Michelle would receive the finest care. Sure enough, this was an accurate statement.

We had our first visit with the craniofacial team shortly after the anatomy scan and were welcomed warmly and openly. Immediately our questions and concerns were addressed. We first met with Viviana Rua who laid out the agenda for our visit, answered initial questions on the process and advised us that she could act as our liaison to the craniofacial team should we need anything. Next, we went through a brief genetic history to get a better understanding of whether anyone in our families could have had birth differences of any kind. Following this, was a conversation with clinical geneticist Dr. Mislen Bauer. Straightaway she reiterated that everything was going to be okay. Michelle was among a great many children they had treated for a cleft lip and palate. Dr. Bauer provided us with information about some of the many successful cases that the craniofacial team had managed. After this, we met with Dr. Jordan Steinberg, the highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon that would be performing the lip and palate surgeries. From one short conversation, we knew that the surgeries and the results were going to be nothing less than outstanding.

At the first visit after Michelle was born, we met with the cleft team to have her evaluated and lay out the plan of care for us. We were advised that the first year is where a big portion of the treatment occurs. This first year would require a big effort on our part but would help lead to the success of the surgeries.

We met with Dr. Steinberg and Martha Mejia to start the nasoalveolar molding treatment for Michelle. While not required, this treatment was suggested to help shape the gums, lips and nostrils before the lip surgery. This treatment did prove to be challenging for both the parents and Michelle, but the results of the lip surgery were incredible.

Throughout that first 6 months, we were treated to a first-class care experience. Whenever there were questions or concerns about the treatment or Michelle’s health and well-being, the craniofacial team moved quickly to help get them addressed.

-Vanessa, Michelle's mother