So Proud Of My Boy

He was born with cysts in his face but after multiple surgeries little Alex can finally walk and talk

- Robyn Lucas

THE past few years of the little boy’s life have been tough. He was unable to walk, talk or breathe properly because of cysts the size of a grapefruit located in his face and his airway.

But Alex Grabowski is one determined little kid – and his family have reason to rejoice now.

After undergoing multiple surgeries to remove parts of the cysts, the four-year-old from Somerset in England can take a few steps and say a few words.

And to his mother, it’s balm for the soul and music to the ears.

Little Alex was born with cystic hygroma – a fluid-filled sac that results from a blockage in the lymphatic system, most commonly located in the neck or head area.

Alex has undergone eight “debulking” operations over the years, his mom, Emily (35), explains.

“The surgeries are still something I’m trying to get used to,” she says.

“I cry every time he goes into theatre. The operations can take about eight hours, so it’s a long wait.

“One of his cysts is over a nerve that could paralyse his face if they hit it, so they have to be really careful.”

Although the journey has been challenging, Emily says her little boy is making positive strides towards a somewhat normal life.

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“Alex has already come on leaps and bounds,” she says. “We’re so proud of him.”

DURING a routine 20-week scan, Emily, a single mom, was told by doctors that her baby boy would be born with abnormal growths in his face that would keep growing as he got older.