Comprehensive Craniofacial Care at Shriners Children's Boston: Miles' Story

Suzanne learned that her son Miles would be born with a cleft lip and palate during a routine ultrasound when she was in her second trimester.

She was referred to Mass General Brigham for an MRI, which would provide more comprehensive imaging of Miles’ condition. The family was also referred to Kavitha Ranganathan, M.D., a Shriners Children’s Boston plastic surgeon and co-director of the Cleft and Craniofacial Center. Certified by the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association, the Center is a collaborative program with Mass General Brigham for Children. “We loved her from the start,” Suzanne recalled, noting the family was comforted knowing that Dr. Ranganathan would be Miles’ primary craniofacial surgeon throughout his childhood.

The Cleft and Craniofacial Center supports children and families through all stages of diagnosis and treatment. An interdisciplinary team of plastic and oral and maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists, speech therapists, dietitians and other clinical specialists are all available to participate in a child’s plan of care, based on their individual needs.

Now 1, Miles had his first clinic visit to Shriners Children’s Boston just ten days after he was born, when the family met with Dr. Ranganathan and learned more about his proposed treatment plan. “During the initial times when we see patients, we're able to put together a plan that's reflective of what they will likely need," she said. "Of course, everyone changes and evolves over time, but in general, we can narrow the plan of care down in a way that gives each patient a standardized process, so families know what to expect.” 

Dr. Ranganathan explained that a child born with a cleft lip and palate will often need care throughout their childhood. “The reason for that is because there are so many different aspects of a child’s development that we monitor. We look at how children speak. We look at how children develop from a neurological perspective. We look at how their nutrition is coming along. We also look at how their teeth are developing and assess what needs to be done to get the most beautiful smile possible as they get older,” she said. Dr. Ranganathan noted that the team also examines a child’s hearing as the child gets older. “Because we see patients in our multidisciplinary clinics, we can evaluate all of these different components.”

“We absolutely adore Dr. Ranganathan, she is so kind, compassionate, detail-oriented and communicative. Never met another provider like her. She truly cares for our son, and we trust her fully with our special boy,” Suzanne said. Nurse care manager and craniofacial team coordinator Sandy Barrett has also been an invaluable resource to Suzanne and her family. “She has been so helpful with tips for surgeries she's heard from other families, and she is quick to get you any information you are looking for,” Suzanne said.

As a parent navigating a cleft diagnosis, Suzanne has some advice for other families. “It may seem scary since it's uncharted territory, and it is, but you get to enjoy your child's smile not just once but twice – two times to fall in love. Clefts are so common.”

As Miles is growing into toddlerhood, “he has really started coming into his own,” Suzanne said. “He loves music and enjoys climbing. If he had a mountain of drums, that would be a dream day.” 

Miles also loves playing with his cousins, Grayson, Rosie and Remi, especially outdoors. Suzanne said she and her family are already dreaming about balmy temperatures and sunny summer days. “We are looking forward to spending more summer days outside with the cousins and swimming. Miles loves the water, especially splashing in it!”