Mia's Story

When Nicole brought her newborn daughter, Mia, to her 3-month checkup, she knew something was wrong.

Mia had been experiencing difficulties with feeding and weighed in at only 7 pounds. Once the physician opened Mia’s mouth large enough to get a good look inside, the cause of Mia’s feeding difficulties became clear. Mia was diagnosed with a cleft palate, which occurs when the tissues that form the roof of the mouth do not join together before birth.

A Connection to Shriners Children’s Boston

“I had no idea what a cleft palate was, and I was so terrified,” Nicole said. “The doctor gave me two choices of where to go: Shriners or Boston Children’s, and I chose Shriners.” Nicole was already familiar with the hospital thanks to her brother’s work with the Boston Firefighters Burn Foundation, so she was confident in her choice. Shriners Children’s Boston partners with the Boston Firefighters Burn Foundation through our Team Brave initiative, which helps our patients who are recovering from burn injuries begin reintegrating into the community by participating in empowering activities and fun outings with the firefighters.

When Nicole brought Mia in for an appointment with the staff at the Cleft and Craniofacial Center, she was impressed with the multidisciplinary team, which includes a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, speech pathologist, nutritionist, care manager and other specialized clinicians. “Every time we walk in, there are so many smiling faces to greet us, and we get to meet with the entire care team,” Nicole said.