When doctors delivered the diagnosis of a cleft lip, Jackson’s parents found themselves at the start of a journey they hadn’t anticipated. During Christina’s 20-week anatomy scan, they learned about the condition and immediately began exploring care options to ensure Jackson’s well-being.
During this process, Christina’s previous professional background at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware played a significant role in their decision-making. For 10 years, she had dedicated herself to the care and support of families at Nemours Children’s, including three years working in the surgery clinics as a Surgical Medical Assistant and had the privilege of collaborating with the cleft team. Her firsthand experience with the hospital’s expertise and compassionate care gave her a unique perspective.
At Nemours, Jackson’s family discovered not just a hospital but a community of care and support. Dr. Mario Aycart, the surgeon responsible for Jackson’s cleft lip repair, was clear and reassuring in his communication. Jackson underwent a single surgery to repair his cleft lip that was meticulously planned and executed. The family was kept well-informed throughout the process, with regular updates and detailed explanations of what to expect. “Everything at Nemours has been wonderful,” Christina shares. “From communication to helping with insurance, the doctors, nurses, and MAs have been amazing.”
With Jackson’s recovery now well underway, his family looks forward to new adventures and milestones. Now 9 months old, Jackson has made remarkable progress. “Everything is going great,” Christina shares. “You wouldn’t even know he had a cleft.” The surgery has been a success, and Jackson’s lip has healed beautifully. “It is a privilege to care for Jackson and his family,” shares Dr. Aycart. “I thank God for my training and wonderful group of surgeons at SickKids in Toronto to learn the Anatomic Subunit Approximation Technique for cleft lip repair.”
Today, his family remains committed to supporting his continued growth and development. “We’re going to keep doing what we have been, massaging the lip inside and out to help ease scarring and muscle tension,” Christina explains. These gentle massages are a crucial part of his post-surgical care plan, ensuring that Jackson’s lip heals as smoothly as possible. Reflecting on their journey, Jackson’s mom has a few words of wisdom to share with other families facing similar challenges. “It’ll all be okay!” she reassures. “It’s scary, with all the unknowns, but it does get better.” Thanks to the expertise and unwavering support at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, Jackson’s future is bright and full of promise.
