Patient Stories of Children with Craniofacial Differences

Read inspiring stories of hope from patients and families treated at Nicklaus Children's Hospital.

Have your own inspiring patient story to share? If you’d like to share your Nicklaus Children's story to inspire hope, and help other families find answers to questions they’re seeking for their child, please contact us at: info@nicklaushealth.org.

First Surgery in Griffin Surgical Tower: Keily's Story

Keily became our first patient to undergo an operation, a cleft lip-and-palate surgery, in the Kenneth C. Griffin Surgical Tower. Read this story.

Jasiah's Journey

For Kimberly, the journey began 26 weeks into her pregnancy when she received life-changing news: her unborn son, Jasiah, had a cleft lip and palate. Just two weeks later, Kimberly developed severe preeclampsia and had to give birth immediately. Jasiah's story is one of hope, healing, and the power of perseverance. Read this story.

A New Smile and Bright Tomorrow for Michelle

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. Read this story.

Abraham's Journey With Prenatal Cleft Lip and Palate

Abraham's mother was seven months pregnant when she found out her son was diagnosed prenatally with cleft lip and palate. Worried about her baby's future, she 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. At 6 months of age, Abraham underwent the first of many surgeries. Read this story.

Patient of the Month: Gabriela

Following an emergency C-section, Gabriela’s mother, Katherine, was shocked to see that her new baby was missing part of her face. Gabriela was born with a cleft lip and palate. Katherine researched for hours to find the best doctors to fix her daughter’s condition and came upon the craniofacial team at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. Read this story.

Patient of the Month: Theodore

When she was just 18 weeks pregnant, Micheleen, learned that her baby would be born with a congenital heart defect called hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), in which the left side of the heart is severely underdeveloped, as well as a cleft palate and cleft lip. Read this story.

Harper's Success Story

When Harper was diagnosed with Beckwith Wiedemann Syndrome shortly after birth, her family knew they wanted the best team possible for her tongue reduction surgery. Harper now leads a limitless life thanks to Dr. Chad Perlyn, an expert in treating macroglossia, and the Craniofacial Center at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. Read this story.

A happy surgical outcome for family of infant with Beckwith Wiedemann Syndrome

Alyssa Caulley talks about her experiences at Nicklaus Children's Hospital, where she decided to have her daughter's surgery for Beckwith Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS). Read this story.

Boy with Rare, Genetic Syndrome Returns Home to Trinidad After Complex Craniofacial Surgery

A team of surgeons from Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s Craniofacial Center performed a complex reconstructive surgery on a seven year-old child that will improve his vision and ability to eat, as well as his appearance and overall quality of life. Read this story.

South Florida surgeon helps fix craniofacial deformities in babies

Local 10 News reports on Dr. Perlyn's complex surgeries to treat babies born with rare craniofacial deformities: Pierre Robin Sequence and Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. Read this story.

Patient of the Month: Emily

Emily was born with Pierre-Robin sequence, a condition present at birth which tends to cause a small jaw, a tongue that is displaced back towards the throat and a cleft palate. She was brought her to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where she underwent surgery to repair her cleft palate, and since then her life has completely turned around. Read this story.

Alexis' Success Story

When asked what she wants to be when she grows up, Alexis has a ready answer: doctor, lawyer, teacher and dolphin trainer.  While that may seem like a lot of goals, nothing is too much for this outgoing girl.One would never guess that the beautiful 9-year-old was born with a condition requiring six surgeries to repair. Read this story.

Craig's Success Story

Craig was born two months early with an abnormality called craniosynostosis that made the sutures on his head fuse prematurely. Dr. Anthony Wolfe performed corrective surgery CJ is a healthy boy. Read this story.