AARON Chalmer’s ex girlfriend, Talia Oatway, has shared the first pictures of their disabled son, seven months after he was born.
Model Talia opened up about the “toughest months” of her life in the incredibly moving and brave post, as she revealed her son, Oakley, was born with a rare genetic syndrome called Apert Syndrome.
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Geordie Shore star Aaron and Talia, who share three children, split at the end of last year after five years together.
Talia has been documenting their medical journey for months as she has travelled in and out of hospital while being a single mum to her other children.
While she has kept his image private up until now, Talia has finally felt ready to share her son with her world and was met with thousands of messages of support.
She told her followers: “It has been the toughest 7 months of my entire life. I have been thrown into a medical world, with no forewarning, no time to prepare. Only now I feel like I’m coming to terms everything, finally coping with how I’m feeling, embracing our new normal.
“This is my beautiful son Oakley Bleu, he was born with a rare genetic syndrome called Apert Syndrome.
“Apert Syndrome causes the premature fusion of sutures in the skull, causing a different head shape. Syndactyly – fusion of the bones in the hands & feet). Cleft of the hard palate causing difficulties with feed and speech.
“Choanal stenosis (narrowing of the airway) causing breathing difficulties.
“Apert Syndrome often causes a global developmental and learning delay. (Oakley sleeps on a vent mask) and uses oxygen.”
She continued: “Oakley has a long road ahead, this is a lifelong journey and it isn’t going to be easy. But my boy, you have shown me how strong you are! You are brave and determined and I love you more than you’ll ever know. I hope that by sharing our journey I can raise awareness and support other medical families ❤️
“I’m so proud of this boy, he has shown me nothing in this world matters but health and love. It has taken me a long time to get where I am but finally I’m starting to feel happy again.
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“Son, you have two amazing brothers and an amazing big sister behind you. We have absolutely everything we need. Let’s do this.”
Geordie Shore star Holly Hagan commented: “The strongest little boy!! Clearly takes after his mama.”
Mrs Hinch wrote: “Adorable handsome little darling ❤️ the last picture is just everything , the sweetest most precious little smile 🥹😭♥️ we are all behind you mummy and Oakley xx.”
While Olivia Bowen added: “Just so so precious. You’re both doing incredibly. What hero’s.”
What is Apert Syndrome?
Apert syndrome is a rare genetic condition that is apparent at birth.
People with Apert syndrome can have distinctive malformations of the skull, face, hands, and feet.
Apert syndrome is characterized by craniosynostosis, a condition in which the fibrous joints (sutures) between bones of the skull close prematurely.
This can cause the top of the head to appear pointed and can affect facial bones. Certain fingers or toes may be fused or webbed. A
According to rarediseases.org affected children may also have intellectual disability. The severity of symptoms varies between individuals.
Apert syndrome almost always results from new genetic changes (mutations) that occur randomly.
People with Apert syndrome can undergo therapies that address specific symptoms. This could include reconstructive skull, facial, hand, and foot surgeries.
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