Mile 65

Mistie and Jody Lasseigne, already blessed with two wonderful children, chose to open their hearts and home to fostering with the hope of eventual adoption. This heartfelt decision brought them to Kenslee, a beautiful baby girl who would soon become an irreplaceable part of their family. Kenslee was born with Pierre Robin Syndrome, a congenital condition characterized by a smaller-than-normal lower jaw, a tongue that falls back in the throat, and difficulty breathing. Her bottom jaw was pushed back so far that it obstructed her airway by pushing her tongue into it. Due to her congenital craniofacial condition, Kenslee’s breathing difficulties were significant, requiring constant monitoring and special positioning to keep her airway open. Feeding was another major hurdle due to her cleft palate.

Kenslee’s journey began in June 2020 when she was just two months old. Dr. Mohamad Masoumy, surgical director of plastics and craniofacial surgery at the Craniofacial Center at Children’s, performed her first critical surgery to correct her jaw. A few months later, in September 2020, Kenslee underwent a second surgery with Dr. Masoumy to remove the plates from her jaw, now that her bones had grown and healed sufficiently. When Kenslee was nearly a year old, she had her third surgery to correct her cleft palate which was vital in improving her feeding and speech capabilities.

In addition to Pierre Robin Sequence, Kenslee faced hearing loss in her first year and a half, necessitating the use of hearing aids. However, with early intervention services from Children’s Hospital’s audiology team, her hearing improved over time. Additionally, genetic testing revealed that Kenslee had Stickler Syndrome, which affects eyesight. In October 2023, she had surgery to reinforce the muscles behind her eyes. Today, Kenslee is a thriving, vibrant 5-year-old. She loves gymnastics, swimming, and school, and enjoys typical activities for her age. She is observant, conscientious, and has a zest for life that inspires everyone around her.