Heartbreaking Yet Hopeful: A Mom’s Journey After Dad Notices “Something Wrong with Adam’s Leg”
When Sarah Mitchell (name changed for privacy) gave birth to her son Adam, she expected the typical rush of joy and immediate skin-to-skin contact. But seconds after delivery, her husband, David, froze and whispered:
“There’s something wrong with Adam’s leg.”
The Shocking Moment
-
Nurses swiftly took Adam to the NICU without letting Sarah hold him.
-
Doctors diagnosed congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT), a rare condition causing the bone to fracture or bow abnormally.
-
Sarah later admitted: “I felt robbed of those first moments. I didn’t even get to kiss him.”
The Emotional Struggle
-
Guilt & Grief: Sarah blamed herself, though CPT is genetic (linked to neurofibromatosis in some cases).
-
Medical Battles: Adam needed multiple surgeries, including bone grafts and rods to stabilize his leg.
-
Small Victories: His first steps at age 3 (with a brace) brought tears.
Where They Are Now
-
Adam, now 5, thrives with physical therapy and a custom orthotic.
-
Sarah advocates for rare bone disorder awareness, sharing:
“He’s my warrior. That ‘something wrong’ became our strength.”
Why This Resonates
-
1 in 250,000 babies have CPT—early detection is critical.
-
Stories like Adam’s highlight the emotional toll of unexpected diagnoses on parents.
💛 Light in the Darkness: The family’s motto—“Different, not less.”
If you or someone you know has a child with CPT, resources like the Children’s Tumor Foundation (CTF) can help.
👇 Have you faced a similar challenge? Share your story below.