It is understood that a baby’s first cry is a sign of healthy lungs and breathing, but the room was silent as Sebastian came into the world. Sebastian was diagnosed with unexplained bilateral vocal cord paralysis. He was physically unable to breathe, produce sounds or receive nourishment on his own and there were no answers for why this occurred. He spent most of his early days fighting to breathe until his parents-to-be made the decision for him to receive a tracheal tube through tracheostomy surgery. At just two months old, it was evident that Sebastian was a resilient little boy when he showcased a big smile for his nurses following surgery. Shortly after moving to Midland from California, Sebastian became a part of the MCRC family to begin adjusting to his tracheal tube through physical and speech therapy.
When they came to MCRC there was finally a sense of hope after his foster parents, Sal and Angie were told that if the trach tube could not be removed by five years old, it would be a permanent need for Sebastian. Alongside his medical needs, his foster parents were also pursuing adoption so that Sebastian could have the best possible outcome. The goal for Sebastian’s therapy sessions became evident, working hard so that he could increase in strength, communication, and oral eating. Though he was delayed, Sebastian made quick progress in physical therapy with Kelsey by increasing his muscle strength and walking. Sebastian began working with his speech therapist, Jennifer, to find solutions to begin oral feeding and communication. Initially, these goals were accomplished through functional play using gestures and signs for expressive language. In addition, Jennifer began helping Sebastian to tolerate a Passy-Muir Speaking Valve. The one-way valve opened to let air in through the tracheostomy when Sebastian took a breath in and the valve closed during expiration, causing the air to follow the normal route and permitting speech through the vocal cords. With continuous work and sessions over the past two years, Jennifer was hopeful that the trach removal was a possibility due to his excellent toleration of the Passy Muir Valve. This huge milestone became a reality just before Sebastian’s third birthday. Removal of the trach tube was a huge relief to his parents who shared that this was a big event for them! They were so accustomed to making sure he was okay, and now he can be like other little boys his age. “He can just be a kid, he is free, he can be a three-year-old now,” Sal shared.
“He really enjoys being here, the staff has been awesome with him. It became a safe place for him, it gave him hope.”
-Sal, Sebastian’s dad
Sebastian’s parents shared that he can now communicate his feelings through his own voice. They feel that he has truly become more trusting, social, and open to others because of his time at MCRC. Before, he would be fearful of more needles and tests with nurses, but now he knows he is safe here. They are also happy to announce that their last procedure in the adoption process is finalized and they are finally able to share Sebastian’s story. This resilient three-year-old is now on the road to graduation and making more and more progress with enjoying new foods and using new words daily! His parents and speech therapist are hopeful that he will continue making progress in therapy so that he can attend school without delay. We cannot wait to see what is next in Sebastian’s journey!
