The incredible story of Emmett Buell Jaxon has not only captured hearts but also defied the odds. Born without a part of his brain and skull, Emmett, with his striking blue eyes, celebrated not just survival but also attempted his first steps, marking a momentous first birthday. Hailing from Florida, United States, this resilient infant has surpassed expectations despite facing the challenges posed by a severe brain malformation.
Emmett’s parents, Brandon and Brittany Buell, shared that their son’s condition represents a rare form of brain malformation, with statistics revealing that one in 4,859 babies in the USA is born with anencephaly, often resulting in a limited life expectancy. The Buells reflect on the critical moment during the 17th-week ultrasound when they discovered their baby’s health issue.
The 17th-week ultrasound, initially a routine procedure to determine the baby’s gender, took an unexpected turn when a doctor’s call the following day delivered the sobering news of their son’s health problem.
Brandon navigated through consultations with various specialists until the correct diagnosis for the baby was determined. Despite medical advice recommending abortion at the 23rd week of pregnancy, the Buells chose to provide their child with an opportunity to fight.
In Brittany’s words, “Who are we to choose? We’ve been given the chance to have a child, and we must at least try to hear his voice. We gave him a chance to fight, and that’s exactly what he’s been doing.”
Emmett not only survived but was born via cesarean section on August 27, 2014, weighing a mere 1 kg. His early weeks were spent in an intensive care unit, where doctors grappled with understanding the complexities of his unique condition.
The journey has been emotionally charged, with Brittany vividly recalling the moment when doctors conveyed the possibility that Emmett might never walk or speak.
Given the absence of a cure, Brandon’s colleagues initiated a fundraising page to support the ongoing care of this resilient toddler. Emmett’s inspiring story has resonated with families across the US, garnering support from approximately 90,000 people who have expressed their admiration by “liking” the page.
