Born With a Rare Facial Condition, Abby Faced Serious Breathing Problems — Today, She’s a Joyful 10-Year-Old

When Abigail “Abby” Fisher was born in January 2016, her family had no idea how challenging the first years of her life would become. Abby had a rare genetic condition that affected the development of her face, and she was struggling to breathe.

Her condition, Treacher Collins syndrome, affects the development of the bones and tissues of the face. Abby was born with underdeveloped cheekbones, a small lower jaw, ears that differed in size and shape, and a cleft palate. Her breathing difficulties were serious enough to require five weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Today, Abby is 10 years old. She loves drawing, painting, swimming, and dancing, and she has a way of making people around her smile. Her medical journey is still ongoing, but her story is also one of family devotion, specialized care, and a little girl finding joy in everyday life.

A Diagnosis Her Family Never Expected

During pregnancy, Abby’s birth mother, Christina Fisher, followed the recommended prenatal testing, including genetic screening and a detailed ultrasound. None of the tests identified Treacher Collins syndrome.

The diagnosis came only after Abby was born. Doctors discovered that the bones and structures of her face had developed differently, and her small lower jaw contributed to serious breathing difficulties.

Treacher Collins syndrome is a rare genetic condition estimated to occur in approximately one in 50,000 births. Its effects vary from person to person, but it can affect the cheekbones, jaw, ears, and other facial structures. Some children also experience hearing difficulties and problems with breathing or feeding.

For Abby, the immediate priority was keeping her airway safe and making sure she received the medical support she needed.

Five Weeks in Intensive Care

Abby spent her first five weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit. After leaving the hospital, she still needed substantial medical support at home, including a feeding tube, oxygen equipment, a breathing monitor, a pulse oximeter, and a feeding pump.

Christina described her bedroom as becoming a hospital at home. She learned CPR and the Heimlich maneuver because Abby faced a high risk of choking. The sound of her daughter’s breathing became part of the rhythm of everyday life — a sound that reassured her that Abby was still breathing.

Before Abby turned two, she underwent two major operations. One was mandibular distraction, a procedure designed to gradually lengthen the lower jaw and move it forward to help improve the airway. Another surgery repaired her cleft palate, with the aim of helping her eat without relying on a feeding tube.

In 2019, when Abby was three, she underwent another procedure to remove adenoid tissue behind her nose in an effort to improve her breathing. During that operation, her heart stopped twice, and medical staff had to revive her. It was a frightening experience for her mother and a reminder of how complex Abby’s care could be.

A New Medical Team and Another Difficult Decision

In 2024, Christina and Abby began working with the craniofacial team at Manning Family Children’s in New Orleans. The team brought together specialists in ear, nose and throat care, hearing, dentistry, speech therapy, and craniofacial surgery.

In April 2025, Abby underwent a procedure involving dental work and an examination of her airway. Doctors attempted to pass a scope down her throat, but they stopped when her oxygen levels dropped rapidly. Continuing could have put her at risk.

As time passed, Abby’s airway continued to narrow. Her oxygen levels dropped dangerously low at night, and alarms from her monitoring equipment repeatedly interrupted her sleep. She also began missing school because she was too exhausted.

After discussing the risks and benefits with her medical team, Christina agreed to a tracheostomy in October 2025. The procedure created an opening in Abby’s neck into her windpipe, providing a more secure way to support her breathing.

Abby remained in the hospital until the middle of November. Her mother later said that after the tracheostomy, Abby seemed happier and more comfortable. Although the decision had been difficult, Christina came to believe it was the right choice for her daughter.

A Child Who Loves to Dance, Paint, and Make Friends

Abby’s life is about much more than medical appointments and surgeries. At 10 years old, she is in third grade and enjoys makeup, drawing, painting, swimming, and dancing. She loves making friends and talking to people wherever she goes.

Her cheerful personality has also brought recognition beyond her family. She was named a Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Champion in 2019 and was crowned queen of Manning Family Children’s holiday parade in December 2025. In January 2026, she was named a “Baskin-Robbins Pint-Sized Hero,” earning a grant for the hospital and a year of free ice cream for herself.

For Christina, these moments reflect the person Abby is becoming — curious, sociable, energetic, and eager to participate in the world around her.

The support of the hospital’s Child Life team has also helped Abby cope with medical care. Through play, education, and emotional support, the team helps children understand and manage the experiences that come with being in hospital.

Her Journey Is Still Continuing

Abby’s tracheostomy has helped protect her airway, but it is not the final step in her treatment. Her doctors plan to reconstruct her upper and lower jaws once they are confident that she has finished growing. The goal is to improve both the function of her jaw and the structure of her face.

Her family hopes that future treatment may eventually allow her to breathe without the tracheostomy. For now, she continues to receive specialized care and follow-up appointments.

Treacher Collins syndrome affects each child differently, and there is no single treatment that addresses every challenge. Abby’s care has required multiple procedures, careful monitoring, and a team willing to listen to her family and adapt treatment as her needs change.

Her story is not about a condition disappearing or every challenge being solved. It is about a child receiving the care she needs while continuing to enjoy the things that make her childhood her own.

As Abby grows, she keeps dancing, painting, swimming, and making friends. For her mother, seeing her daughter feel comfortable and enjoy life is a precious reminder that even after years of uncertainty, there is still room for laughter, connection, and hope.

Source: Manning Family Children’s, “Abby’s Treacher Collins journey and the comprehensive team at Manning Family Children’s who helped her thrive,” February 27, 2026.