It wasn’t until Kate was 19 years old that her father told her that he fainted at the sight of her as a baby. It is a significant moment, because it indicates just how far Kate has come. Her story is one of anguish and triumph – a craniofacial journey that will last her whole lifetime.
We have the pleasure of introducing you to Jason Hooper, otherwise known as JD Hooper. The “D” in JD stands for “Determination” – a fitting description of this champion in every sense of the word.
“I was born at 26 weeks gestation and weighed 590 grams in October 2005 and spent just over 3 months in hospital before coming home.
Due to being born so early, I was in the care of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Special Care Baby Unit on tube feeds, oxygen and special care facilities to keep me alive.”
“From birth, our son has been a warrior.” Born with Cystic Fibrosis and Metopic Synostosis, Isaac has been a warrior from birth. Isaac fought for his first breath with the assistance of Neonatal ICU doctors and nurses as well as in the special care nursery to regulate his own blood sugar.
“Team Huxley” was created by baby Huxley’s Uncle Baxter while juggling Year 12. Baxter rounded up twenty of his family and friends to walk or run the Adelaide City-Bay on Sunday 15th September 2024.
Meet Hunter – Born in May 2022, Hunter was diagnosed with cleft lip and palate and metopic craniosynostosis at birth. He had his lip repaired at 6 months and his palate repaired at 11 months old.
Meet Hazel – Diagnosed with Metopic Craniosynostosis (Trigonocephaly) shortly after birth, her paediatrician recognised the signs right away. At just 6 weeks old, her diagnosis was confirmed with a CT scan, and not long after, Hazel underwent frontal-orbital advancement (FOA) surgery to reshape her skull and support healthy brain growth.
Harvey was born with Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) in April 2023.
We were in hospital for a month before we could bring him home. I always knew something wasn’t right with his head, his eyes were not aligned, part of his forehead was flatted and one eye opened more than the other.
Harry was diagnosed with Isolated Sagittal Craniosynostosis at 8 weeks old.
We were concerned about his head shape from birth but were initially cleared by all medical practitioners involved in his paediatric care. At our 8-week-old check up with the paediatrician, I expressed my concerns and after examination, we were sent for an X-ray.
From the very beginning, Abigail’s journey has been one of strength, courage and love. What started as a parent’s instinct soon became a life-changing diagnosis, and a path that would require resilience well beyond her tiny years.
