LITTLE Luna Buchanan has been through the wringer since her arrival in the world just 14 months ago. When YOU speaks to her mom, Maggy Capatti (44), the tot is still in recovery from the cranial remodelling surgery she had just two weeks ago.
Luna was born with Pfeiffer syndrome, a rare genetic disorder where a baby’s skull bones fuse together early in their fetal development. It can also affect the bones in a child’s hands and feet which can sometimes prematurely fuse. In Luna’s case, her skull is flattened at the back and her brain is being pushed forward in her skull, affecting the shape of her head and face. She also struggles to use her thumbs and battles to balance on her tiny feet.
“The condition can also sometimes cause increased pressure around the brain,” according to the Smile Foundation, an organisation that arranges surgeries and treatment for children.
This story is from the 16 December 2021 edition of YOU South Africa.
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This story is from the 16 December 2021 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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