Normal Life Thanks to Exceptional Techniques

After five days, Bobby was referred to the Cleft and Craniofacial Center at Hasbro Children’s. There, Courtney learned that Bobby has a rare genetic condition called Van der Woude syndrome. Albert Woo, MD, FACS, chief of pediatric plastic surgery, told her they could treat Bobby.

“Your child’s life is not over. It may be a shock, but with the appropriate care, they will have every opportunity to thrive and live a normal life,” says Dr. Woo. “Cleft care is life-changing.”

When Bobby was four-months old, Dr. Woo performed a cleft lip repair. Before the surgery, Bobby had a treatment called Nasoalveolar Molding to reshape the gum, lip, and nostrils using dental molds and tape. Hasbro Children’s is one of the few institutions in New England that provides the treatment. Months later, Bobby had a second surgery, during which Dr. Woo performed an innovative surgical technique he developed, which has been proven to improve long-term speech outcomes for patients.

– Dr. Woo

Courtney King was surprised when she went into labor five weeks early, and was shocked when her son, Bobby, was born with a cleft lip and palate. The birth defect hadn’t appeared on any of the ultrasounds. Bobby was transferred to Women & Infants Hospital, where a team including Hasbro Children’s Hospital doctors cared for him. He struggled to hear, feed, and gain weight.

Today, Bobby is thriving and living like a typical child. His hearing has normalized, he talks, and he no longer has trouble eating. Bobby will likely need another surgery or two as he gets older. Until then, Courtney knows she can count on the team at the Cleft and Craniofacial Center.

“I can’t say enough about all they have done for Bobby,” she says. “Thanks to everyone at Hasbro Children’s Hospital, we got through it.”