When Courtney was born in Hobart, her skull had fused too early and she was missing bone in parts of her head. Since then, she has faced countless surgeries, long recoveries, and the emotional and financial challenges of travelling from Tasmania to Adelaide for specialist care. Yet through every setback, Courtney’s courage shines.
Now a young mum, Courtney shares through her eyes, what it means to grow up with a craniofacial condition.
My name is Courtney. I was born at the Royal Hobart Hospital. From the moment I arrived, my mum Michelle knew something wasn’t right. There was a deep indentation in my skull near my eyebrow. Scans revealed I was missing bone, and my skull had fused too early. At two months old, I was diagnosed with a craniofacial condition.
At six months, Mum and I were flown from Tasmania to Melbourne for urgent surgery. Surgeons took bone from the back of my skull to rebuild my forehead and open my sealed plates. That operation saved my life but it was only the beginning.
As I grew, I struggled with hearing, eyesight, dental issues, and breathing problems. At age three, I had grommets inserted in my ears. At five, we started patching my good eye to help strengthen the weaker one. In my teenage years, I met Prof David David in South Australia, and now, as a young adult, I continue my treatment.
Over the years, I’ve had several operations. From fat grafting and septum repair to reconstructive surgeries using hydroset bone substitute. Some surgeries have helped, others were harder, but every one has brought me closer to feeling like myself.
As a child, I felt different and often alone. I was bullied because of how I looked, and I struggled with my mental health. As an adult, I still face the emotional and financial strain of ongoing surgeries and time away from my children.
I won’t pretend it has been easy. The pain, swelling, and recovery can be brutal. Having my head shaved, stitches, staples, and bruising. It all takes a toll.
But through it all, I’ve had incredible support from my family. My mum has given everything. Her time, health and career — to help me heal. My brother Daniel made sacrifices too when Mum and I had to travel interstate. My children and friends are my biggest reasons to keep pushing forward.
We may look different, but we are no different on the inside. Today, I’ve learned to embrace my condition instead of hiding from it. I have an amazing medical team in Adelaide who feel like family, and a deep appreciation for how far I’ve come.
Craniofacial Australia has been a lifesaver. Living in Tasmania, I don’t have local specialists, so every appointment and surgery means travelling to Adelaide. The costs of flights, accommodation, and food quickly add up. Without Craniofacial Australia’s help, it simply wouldn’t be possible.
They’ve supported me with travel, accommodation near the hospital, and even meals while I recover. They’ve lifted so much stress off my shoulders and made sure I can focus on healing.
The surgeries are hard, but the benefits outweigh the challenges. Trust the process, trust your team, and remember, where there is darkness, there is sunshine on the other side.
Every craniofacial journey is unique – filled with challenges, triumphs and everything in between. Every face has a story to tell. By volunteering to tell yours, you’ll not only honour your own experience, but also give hope and encouragement to others walking a similar path. Whether you’re a parent, sibling or supporter, we’d like to hear from you. As a story volunteer, we will make sure that your story is told in a way that suits you.
