Born Without a Fully Formed Right Ear, Annabelle Underwent Reconstructive Surgery Using Cartilage From Her Own Rib

When Sachiko and Travis welcomed their daughter Annabelle in Japan, they noticed something different about their newborn baby’s right ear.

Unlike her left ear, the right ear had not developed completely.

Her pediatrician diagnosed grade III microtia, a congenital condition in which the external ear is significantly underdeveloped.

For Annabelle’s parents, the diagnosis marked the beginning of a medical journey that would eventually take their family across countries and involve years of specialized reconstructive care.

A Difference Noticed Immediately After Birth

Annabelle’s parents initially explored treatment options in Japan, where she was born while her father was serving in the United States Marine Corps.

However, the family was preparing to relocate to central New York.

They decided to search for a medical team closer to their future home, hoping to find specialists experienced in treating children with congenital ear differences.

Her Family Found a Specialist in Boston

Travis’s stepfather was a Shriner, while his mother Robin was a registered nurse.

Both helped the family learn about the reconstructive surgery services offered at Shriners Children’s Boston.

They eventually connected with Dr. Eric Liao, a craniofacial specialist.

Annabelle began receiving care at the hospital when she was just ten months old.

For years afterward, her parents regularly made the five-hour journey from their home near Utica, New York, to Boston for appointments.

Building an Ear From Her Own Rib Cartilage

Dr. Liao developed a surgical plan to reconstruct Annabelle’s underdeveloped right ear.

Rather than using an artificial ear, the procedure involved harvesting cartilage from her rib and carefully shaping it into the framework of a new external ear.

According to her father, nearly the entire reconstructed ear was created using her own cartilage. Her original earlobe was preserved.

Throughout the process, the hospital’s medical photographer documented the changes to Annabelle’s ear, creating a record of her progress from infancy onward.

A Family That Became Part of the Hospital Community

Over the years, Annabelle and her parents developed close relationships with the staff who supported them.

Care manager Sandy Barrett helped coordinate their treatment journey, while a volunteer driver named Tom regularly transported the family to their appointments.

The experience inspired Travis to become a Shriner himself, with plans to help transport other families seeking medical care.

What had begun as an unfamiliar diagnosis had gradually connected the family with a wider community of support.

One Final Appointment and a Bell to Ring

In June 2022, Annabelle returned to Shriners Children’s Boston for her final surgery.

At eight years old, she had grown into an energetic child who enjoyed video games, gym class and spending time with her family.

During her final hospital visit, Annabelle rang a celebratory bell while surrounded by her parents and the people who had helped care for her.

For Sachiko and Travis, the moment marked the conclusion of a journey that had begun when they first noticed their daughter’s ear shortly after birth.

Source: Shriners Children’s Boston, July 18, 2022 — Annabelle’s Story.