Eva’s Story
Donna’s daughter Eva was born with a unilateral cleft lip and palate. Now that Eva is nine months old, Donna reflects on their journey and shares her fundraising plans.
In February 2021, we headed off for our 20-week scan. We were so happy to be told we were expecting another girl, but a lot of silence soon followed. The sonographer said, “I suspect little one may have a cleft lip.”
We were invited back for a more detailed scan with the fetal medicine team the following day, and they confirmed Eva would be born with a unilateral left-sided cleft. I spent the next 20 weeks of my pregnancy extremely anxious. Some days I would be super positive, and other days I would cry, not knowing what it would mean for our precious little one and us as a family.
Fast forward a year, and Eva is now nine months old. I look back now and wish I hadn’t put so much worry on my shoulders, as the moment she was in my arms, all I saw was perfection. Cleft babies have the most amazing smiles, which I miss so much already and will always look back on with pride and love (even though Eva’s forever smile is equally infectious!).
Fast forward a year, and Eva is now nine months old. I look back now and wish I hadn’t put so much worry on my shoulders, as the moment she was put in my arms, all I saw was perfection.
We still have a journey ahead with Eva’s palate repair scheduled in a few weeks. She amazes us every day, and I hope she grows up to be proud of having been born with a cleft and can educate those around her with her shining scar!
On Saturday 7th May 2022, I will be taking part in a skydive raising funds for CLAPA! I have raised over £1400 and am proud to give back to a charity that has helped so many.
Thank you to Donna for sharing your story!
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