A Diagnosis of VACTERL Association

All the Genetic Testing has come back clear and Christopher does not have a syndrome or disease. The Dr’s say that Chris has VACTERL Association. Unfortunately, Chris has problems in all the VACTERL Characteristics. Even the Neonatologist said that he has never come across a child who has every characteristic, so yes that is my kid - absolutely unique, original and complicated!!

V - Scoliosis and Hemi-Vertebrae and a couple of abnormal ribs on the right hand side.

A - Anal Atresia with fistula between Bowel and Ureter.

C - Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD); Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA); Double Outlet Right Ventricle (DORV) and Pulmonary Stenosis (PS).

T - Tracheo- oesophageal fistula (TOF)

E - Oesophageal Atresia

R - Multi-cystic/Dysplastic Right Kidney (will never work) Left Kidney small and abnormal in size and shape.

L - Missing Right Thumb and Talipes (Club feet)

S - Single Umbilical Artery