Mile 35

Camille Caballero came into the world with a rough start. She wasn’t breathing at birth, and had to be resuscitated. Within an hour, she became stable and was transferred to the NICU, where she spent seven days. While doctors weren’t entirely sure what had caused the initial complications, Alicia—a nurse—could tell something still wasn’t right after bringing her daughter home. Camille had fluid coming from her nose, and eventually doctors discovered a submucous cleft palate. Dr. Fulton, pediatric craniofacial physician at Manning Family Children’s, stepped in to lead Camille’s care, placing a feeding tube when she was just a month old. ​

At one year old, Dr. Masoumy, surgeon at Manning Family Children’s, performed Camille’s cleft palate repair, but it was during this time that Camille was also diagnosed with DiGeorge syndrome, also known as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, and facial palsy, a secondary condition to her genetic disorder. The diagnosis triggered an intense schedule of care—Camille began speech, physical, and feeding therapy, with up to seven appointments a week. Despite some recurring issues with ear infections and tubes, Camille continued to grow stronger with the support of her medical team and family.​

Today, Camille is doing incredibly well. In the beginning, her family wasn’t sure if Camille would be able to speak, walk, or eat on her own—but thanks to early intervention from Manning Family Children’s, dedicated physicians like Dr. Fulton, and consistent follow-up care, Camille has made remarkable progress. The Caballeros are incredibly grateful to have the specialized care they need to watch Camille thrive and grow into the two-year-old she is today.