Baby Francis: The Little Fighter Who Received Life-Saving Treatment Just Two Hours After Birth

Before he was even born, baby Francis Saputra was already facing a life-threatening challenge. His parents knew that their little boy would need specialized medical care immediately after delivery. What followed was an extraordinary journey of medical dedication, family love, and hope.

A Diagnosis Before Birth

Francis Saputra was born on February 3, 2025, in California. During his mother’s pregnancy, ultrasound scans revealed that his limbs were shorter than expected, raising concerns about his development.

Further evaluation revealed that Francis had perinatal severe hypophosphatasia, a rare genetic disorder that affects the body’s ability to properly mineralize bones and teeth. In its most severe form, the condition can cause serious skeletal weakness and breathing difficulties.

The diagnosis was especially heartbreaking for his parents, Albert and Liviera Grace Saputra. They had previously lost their first son, John, to the same disorder when he was just 33 hours old in 2019.

This time, however, the family had something they did not have before: an early diagnosis and a carefully prepared treatment plan.

A Race Against Time

After Francis’s condition was identified during pregnancy, specialists at UCLA Health worked together to prepare for his arrival. The medical team arranged the necessary medication, planned his respiratory support, and prepared specialized equipment to protect his fragile bones.

When Francis was born, doctors and nurses were ready to act. After stabilizing him and completing initial assessments, the team administered his first enzyme replacement treatment when he was approximately two hours old.

According to his doctors, Francis may have been the youngest patient to receive treatment for this condition at the time. The early intervention offered him an opportunity that his family had desperately hoped for.

Small Steps Toward a Brighter Future

Francis’s first weeks were challenging. His bones were extremely fragile, and he needed a ventilator to help him breathe, along with a feeding tube for nutrition. At first, his parents could not hold him without special precautions.

When he was one week old, they finally got to hold their baby boy for the first time, with his body supported by a specialized mattress.

As treatment continued, Francis gradually grew stronger. By the time he was one month old, his bones had improved enough for his parents to cuddle him without the special mattress. At around two months, he was able to breathe independently and no longer needed a ventilator.

Each milestone brought renewed hope to a family that had already experienced an unimaginable loss.

Home at Last

On May 3, 2025, exactly three months after his birth, Francis was well enough to leave the hospital and return home with his family.

His journey was not over. He continued to receive enzyme treatment, nutritional support, and therapies to help with feeding and development. His doctors also planned ongoing monitoring to track his growth and overall health.

Even so, his progress was encouraging. His parents reported stronger bones, improved X-rays, and growing alertness and activity. His older sister, Gianna, could also spend more time with her little brother as he continued his recovery at home.

A Story of Love, Science, and Hope

Francis’s journey highlights the importance of early diagnosis, specialized medical care, and advances in treatment for rare genetic disorders. His family’s experience also reflects the emotional strength required to face uncertainty while caring for a medically fragile child.

Although Francis still needs ongoing treatment and support, his progress has brought hope to his family and the medical professionals caring for him.

For Albert and Liviera Grace, every improvement represents something precious: the chance to watch their son grow, reach new milestones, and experience the everyday moments of childhood.

Francis’s story is a reminder that behind every medical breakthrough is a real child, a family holding on to hope, and a team working to give that child a chance

Sources

• UCLA Health
• UCLA Newsroom