Paragould, Arkansas
Carson, 8, was born with a cleft lip and palate. His
parents, Amy and Keith, were devastated about his  physical imperfection but
had no idea what was coming next.
After Carson’s birth in Jonesboro, doctors began finding several other
birth defects, including an inguinal hernia, a poor suck reflex, low set ears
and a heart murmur. Carson and his family were immediately sent to Arkansas Children’s
Hospital so he could be tested for genetic disorders.
Carson was diagnosed with
Trisomy 18, a chromosomal disorder that is usually fatal. Amy and Keith were
told Carson probably would not live a year. After spending six weeks at ACH,
Carson was sent home. Although he had some breathing difficulty and was hospitalized
for a short period, the next couple of months went well for the Bayird family.
Then one day Amy found a strange spot on the side of Carson’s stomach.
His local doctor sent him to ACH for further tests. The tests revealed that
Carson had liver cancer, which the doctors began treating immediately. In between
chemotherapy and regular blood work, he underwent surgery to repair his lip,
palate and hernia, as well as removal of his tonsils and adnoids.
In November 2001, Carson was deemed cancer free. He has remained that way for
five years. Today, Carson loves tractors, playing with his brother, listening
to country music and singing very loudly. Due to the Trisomy 18, Carson will
face ongoing health problems and developmental delays. But his mother says
he won’t let that
hold him back.
“All children are truly blessings, but it is because of ACH and all of
the staff that we have our miracle baby today,” says Amy.
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