When we first met Andrew Bradley, his mom shared their family’s journey as a new mother navigating the unexpected — first as Baby Andrew’s Story, then as Our Miracle Son, and again in Andrew’s Update: Year Five. Each chapter has reflected the love, resilience, and hope that define their family’s experience. Now, at nine years old, Andrew continues to shine, and his mom shares another heartfelt update.
I’m so happy to share an update about my handsome son, Andrew Bradley, born with a facial difference not diagnosed in utero, and to reflect on just how far he’s come.
When Andrew came into the world like the little ball of red-haired fire that he is, he immediately shone bright, and his strength and resilience quickly proved unmatched. Without knowing that my IVF miracle baby would be born with a unilateral cleft lip and palate, I leaned heavily on the medical professionals surrounding us for guidance in those first days. Thankfully, on day three of Andrew’s life, we met with his Craniofacial Team. I remember bursting into tears that day as I watched him successfully take in his first full ounce from a bottle designed for babies with cleft palates.
I was so afraid of the unknown:
Would he start to thrive?
Would he be okay?
What comes next?
His team led the way — I trusted them, and we followed. The family stories I read on the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association’s website were a lifeline as I navigated those early weeks and months. I decided then that one way I could give back and teach my son to be proud of his differences was to share our story. I’ve never regretted that decision. Every time someone reaches out with a question or shares their own journey, I’m reminded of how powerful it is to speak openly.
Now, I’m thankful to hold a front-row seat as I watch Andrew grow into the confident, proud, amazing young man he is becoming. He shows everyone that there is no shame in being one of the approximately 1 in 1050 babies born with cleft lip with or without cleft palate. Andrew is proud to be that #1 — and he is absolutely thriving.
Some highlights of Andrew’s health care journey include:
- Lip taping from birth to 3 months
- Lip adhesion at age 3 months
- Canceled lip repair at 6 months due to illness, completed successfully at 7 months
- Palate repair at 14 months
- Dental caps at age 2
- Alveolar bone graft at age 7
- Seven sets of ear tubes placed over the years
Although we’ve learned that this journey isn’t always linear — with its bumps and curves along the way — we’ve also learned that Andrew is strong. He is brave, kind, handsome, witty, funny, smart, and sweet. He is my miracle, and I’m so grateful to share his story to help raise awareness of cleft and craniofacial differences.
This fall brings an especially magical milestone. Andrew was selected by the Magical Moments Foundation, which grants dream experiences for children with craniofacial differences, to take his dream trip to New York City for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. There, he’ll meet the “real” Santa (as we call him in our home!) and make a wish for himself and for all children born with facial differences.
From those first uncertain moments to the confident, compassionate boy he is today, Andrew’s story continues to inspire. His family’s openness reminds us of the power of connection — and the importance of supporting every child’s journey with understanding, care, and pride.
Katie – Andrew’s mom
Read more about Andrew’s story through the years:
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