Upon Gabriel\u2019s birth, instead of an eruption of cheers as with their first two sons, Sandra and Freddy were met with silence. Finally, after a long pause, they were told that Gabriel had \u201ca little something in his mouth and nose\u201d\u2014that little something was a complete bilateral cleft lip and palate.<\/p>\n
An adult and pediatric cardiac surgeon in the Dominican Republic, Freddy began researching cleft and cleft treatment centers. He was soon convinced of Nasal Alveolar Molding (NAM) as the best treatment procedure, and the team at NYU\u2019s Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery as the best NAM treatment team. Met with an honest, enthusiastic \u201cCongratulations on your new baby!\u201d from Shelley Cohen upon calling NYU, the coordinating began. However, the logistics of the situation soon became a disheartening reality: a mere month to obtain US Citizenship and expedited passport for Gabriel; biweekly flights to New York from the Dominican Republic for 6 months, the majority of which in winter; two young boys at home with one parent during these trips. Nearly impossible, it seemed.<\/p>\n
After an all-night discussion of more local and practical options, the decision was made to give Gabriel the best care possible, by the best cleft team; Gabriel\u2019s first appointment with the NYU Cleft Team was arranged for September 19, 2012. So began the journey of mother and newborn, navigating thousands of miles of international travel, for the initial NAM instillation and biweekly NAM adjustments. myFace\u2019s Family Apartment quickly became a home away from home.<\/p>\n
Soon, the trips became easier, and Gabriel became a little celebrity among the airport and airline staff, with Sandra teaching his followers about NAM and spreading cleft awareness. Facebook and Instagram documented Gabriel\u2019s trips to New York and treatment progress, and daily iPhone picture and video communication with Dr. Barry Grayson transcended the limitations of time and distance and fixed any complications between visits. On September 10, 2013, Gabriel had his final palate repair surgery, culminating his year-long journey.<\/p>\n
Sandra reflects:<\/p>\n