Jacob

Hearing that your child has a cleft lip and possible cleft palate evokes a range of emotions and thoughts for parents.

Worry and anxiety, fear for the future, and concerns if there are long term effects often swirl in the minds of loved ones when they get the news.

The team at HSC Children’s Hospital helps calm these turbulent emotions with highly trained surgeons, advancements in medical procedures, and empathetic follow-up care.

Jacob was diagnosed with a cleft lip before he was born. It wasn’t known if he had a cleft palate either. His mom and dad were left worried but were relieved when heard about the care Jacob would receive.

“The hospital staff showed incredible compassion and support throughout our journey. From the nurses to the therapists, everyone was dedicated to not only treating our son but also comforting and guiding our family through the process,” says Jacob’s dad Bobby.

When Jacob was born, it was confirmed that he had a cleft palate too. A nurse clinician visited the young family and explained to Joanna and Bobby the surgeries that would be needed.

“At the same time, she assured us that Jacob will be fine and will be monitored by a group of professionals,” says Joanna, Jacob’s mom. “That made Bobby and me feel relief.”

Jacob needed three surgeries – two for his lip and one for his palate and now Jacob is thriving. As he gets older Jacob and his family will be supported by HSC Children’s with many more procedures, for areas like his teeth, gums, lips and nose.

HSC Children’s has had a significant impact on Jacob’s health as well as the entire family’s wellbeing. The surgeries and treatments provided at the hospital improved his health and appearance. The support services also include counselling, educational resources, support groups and more, which helped this entire family face the challenges of having a child with a cleft lip and palate. Additionally, the ongoing medical care and monitoring provided by the hospital ensures that Jacob continues to receive the necessary treatments and interventions as he grows.

“Children’s Hospital holds a special place in our hearts for several reasons,” says Joanna. “The expert care the hospital provides Jacob, ensures he receives the best possible treatments and surgeries for his cleft lip and palate. The skilled surgeons and medical staff make a significant difference in his recovery and overall health.”

Children’s Hospital offers a range of services for the treatment of cleft lips and cleft palates beyond surgeries. This includes speech therapy, counselling, free dental and follow-up care. Plus, thanks to generous donors, kids like Jacob can attend the Speech & Language Therapy Day Camp through the Manitoba Centre for Craniofacial Difference (MCCD) where children with craniofacial differences can gather to laugh, play, connect and grow. The comprehensive approach helped Jacob thrive in multiple aspects of his development.

At two and a half years old, Jacob loves playing at the park, riding his electric mini car, swimming and playing at the splash pad. He’s a regular kid who stacks building blocks, shops for real and pretend food with his mom and dad, makes animal noises and roars like a dinosaur.

“We hope that by sharing our story we can raise awareness about the challenges children with cleft lip and palate face and highlight the importance of specialized care,” says Bobby.

Joanna adds, “We also want to express our gratitude and appreciation to the medical and non-medical team that has been part of Jacob’s journey.”

“And by sharing our journey we hope to motivate others to support Children’s Hospital because donations can make a real difference in the lives of children and families in need of care.”

Joanna is not only a mom of a child needing care at Children’s Hospital. She also works at Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba within the finance team. The Foundation holds a special place in her heart and she feels passionately about making sure all children in our province can get the best care possible.

Supporting the Children’s Hospital through Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba is crucial so that kids like Jacob will continue to receive the specialized care, access to cutting edge treatments, and comprehensive support services. By making a donation you help sustain the vital services and innovative treatments that make a real difference in children’s lives.