The mother of a newborn with a rare condition where part of the brain protrudes through the forehead expresses her immense gratitude for her “true miracle” child. Hannah Sachs experienced a smooth pregnancy until a 22-week scan revealed her baby’s encephalocele, a condition where brain tissue bulges through a gap in the skull. Concerned about her baby’s well-being, Hannah underwent close monitoring for the remainder of her pregnancy.
Baby Liam arrived prematurely with a sac of fluid on his forehead, requiring immediate care in the NICU. Despite initial fears, Hannah found solace in her son’s beauty and strength. Liam’s journey continued with a successful NICU stay, followed by the need for ongoing oxygen support due to hydrocephalus, a condition involving fluid build-up in the brain.
At just one month old, Liam underwent his first brain surgery to address the hydrocephalus, demonstrating remarkable resilience. Subsequent surgeries were planned to remove the encephalocele and reconstruct his skull. In a lengthy procedure in September 2023, surgeons corrected the deformities caused by the encephalocele, leading to a challenging but ultimately successful recovery for Liam.
While recovering, Liam faced difficulties with his mobility, eventually receiving a diagnosis of cerebral palsy at ten months old. Despite the challenges, Hannah remains optimistic about Liam’s progress through various therapies. Liam has shown remarkable progress in walking, speech, and overall development, defying expectations at every turn.
Hannah acknowledges the hardships of her son’s medical journey but emphasizes Liam’s strength, bravery, and unique abilities. Despite the unexpected challenges, she embraces Liam as he is, cherishing his every achievement on his individual timeline. Liam, in his mother’s eyes, is a true miracle, embodying resilience and inspiration.