Doctors Said Her Newborn Had a Little Cleft — But When She Saw His Face, She Realized Their Journey Would Be Much Bigger
Doctors Said Her Newborn Had a Little Cleft — But When She Saw His Face, She Realized Their Journey Would Be Much Bigger
During her pregnancy, Kelly looked forward to welcoming her second child.
A 3D ultrasound had offered reassuring glimpses of her unborn baby. She could see his profile, tiny nose, hands and fingers.
Nothing had prepared her for the moment Connor arrived.
Shortly after delivery, a doctor explained that her baby had a cleft.
But when Kelly held her newborn son against her chest and looked at his face, she realized his condition was far more extensive than she had imagined.
Born With a Bilateral Cleft Lip and Complete Cleft Palate
Connor was born with a bilateral incomplete cleft lip and a complete cleft palate involving both the hard and soft palate.
A cleft lip occurs when tissues forming the upper lip do not fully join during fetal development. A cleft palate involves an opening in the roof of the mouth.
These conditions can affect much more than appearance.
For Connor, his diagnosis would influence feeding, dental development, speech and hearing, requiring specialized care throughout childhood.
The Beginning of a Long Surgical Journey
Connor became a patient at Shriners Children’s Chicago, where he received multidisciplinary cleft and craniofacial care.
His treatment involved a series of operations and ongoing appointments as he grew.
Reconstructive care for children with cleft lip and palate often takes place in stages because the face, jaw and teeth continue developing through childhood and adolescence.
For Kelly, supporting Connor meant learning about his medical needs while helping him grow up with confidence.
Thirteen Surgeries by Age Fourteen
When Connor appeared in an official Shriners Children’s video published in July 2020, he was 14 years old.
He shared that he had already undergone 13 surgeries and expected to need additional procedures in the future.
Despite the demanding treatment journey, Connor spoke about his life with enthusiasm.
He enjoyed playing golf and had developed a strong connection with the hospital that had cared for him since early childhood.
From Patient to National Ambassador
Connor was selected as one of Shriners Children’s National Patient Ambassadors for 2020–2021.
The role allowed him to share his experiences and represent other children receiving specialized treatment.
He also spoke about wanting to give back to the hospital community that had supported him.
His story became an example of how long-term medical care can extend beyond operations and appointments, helping young patients develop confidence and connections with others.
A Mother’s First Frightening Moment Became a Story of Growth
For Kelly, the memory of seeing Connor’s face for the first time remained powerful.
But the baby she once held with so many unanswered questions had grown into a teenager who could tell his own story.
Connor’s journey was not defined by a single successful operation. It involved years of treatment, family support and his own determination to participate fully in the activities he enjoyed.
Source: Shriners Children’s, July 29, 2020 — Through Darkness I Shine: The Stories of Connor and Mia.
