Learning that your unborn child will come into the world with a complication is not something a first-time mother wants to hear. This was the case for Alexandra and her soon-to-be son, Abraham. 

Alexandra was seven months pregnant when her son was diagnosed prenatally with cleft lip and palate. Worried about the future of her baby, Alexandra began a search for answers that led her to the Craniofacial Center at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where she became the first parent to consult with the program about a prenatal patient.  

Alexandra’s worries were quickly put to rest when Dr. Mislen S Bauer, director of the Craniofacial Center and her colleagues assured her everything would be ok. Alexandra was provided information and supplies to make Abraham’s arrival as smooth as possible.

“Our job as clinicians is to ensure families that we will do everything we can to improve the quality of life for their child,” said Dr. Bauer. “In Abraham’s case, we knew it was going to be a long journey. It was an honor to work together with Alexandra, as she was determined to do everything in her power to get her son the care he needed.”

When Abraham was nine days old, Alexandra took him to see the team at Nicklaus Children’s and their shared journey began. At 6 months of age, Abraham underwent the first of many surgeries to address his anomalies, led by Dr. S Anthony Wolfe, director of plastic and reconstructive surgery at Nicklaus Children’s. The surgery was successful, but that was just the beginning of it all.

After a total of 11 surgeries throughout his life, Alexandra and Abraham feel blessed to have found Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. Today, Abraham is a bright and motivated 18-year-old on the brink of an exciting future. He recently graduated high school and enjoys fencing and graphic designing, which he wants to pursue in college.

“We are forever grateful to the entire staff at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital who cared for Abraham as if he was their own child,” said Alexandra. “The amount of guidance, support and strength we received along the way is invaluable. It means everything!”