Aslan was born with Treacher-Collins Syndrome. Treacher-Collins is a rare genetic mutation that causes the bones in the face to develop irregularly. Some of the physical “abnormalities” include a small mandible, an underdeveloped airway, a cleft palate, missing ear canals, and no cheekbones. As a result, Treacher-Collins causes problems with basic functions like breathing, eating, hearing, and speech.
When Aslan was born in, doctors immediately recognized that something was wrong, but no one could give his parents answers. Doctors submitted a blood sample for genetic evaluation and monitored his stability in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. They were discharged from the hospital ten days later and told to wait for his pending genetic report.
Aslan's parents took their beautiful baby home, but quickly discovered that Aslan struggled to breathe and eat like a normal baby. They met with a team of specialists who decided to re-admit Aslan into the hospital for “severe malnutrition” and “failure to thrive”.
What they thought would be a few days in the hospital turned into weeks and months. During that time, his parents had to make some life altering decisions for Aslan. Surgeons performed a tracheostomy which entailed opening up Aslan’s airway and inserting a small tube to help him breathe. Surgeons also inserted a gastrointestinal tube into his stomach so he could feed safely.
After months of sleepless nights on a hospital sofa, they were finally sent home with their baby, a myriad of medical equipment, and a few “best wishes”.
Suddenly Aslan's parents felt very alone and struggled to get Aslan the therapies and skilled nursing care he needed. They also tried to find support groups online, but it all felt very distant.
Aslan's parents have said, "Our lives changed when we learned about Bella’s Angels. We are moved to tears by the outpouring of generosity that Bella’s Angels has shown us. Thank you to the men, women, and families who have committed their life’s work to helping children like Aslan. While we’re brand new to the family— Bella’s Angels has opened up a whole new world of families right here in Palm Beach who have navigated similar challenges and suddenly we don’t feel so alone."
