Ozzie Gordon, a baby born with a tiny head and part of his brain protruding from his misshapen skull, has defied slim chances of survival. During early pregnancy scans, it became evident that Ozzie had a smaller than normal head, indicating the likelihood of his brain being underdeveloped. Doctors offered his parents, Omobola and Checotah Gordon, the option of abortion, but they chose to refuse and instead created a palliative care plan in preparation for the possibility that Ozzie might not survive the first few days of life.
Upon Ozzie's birth, it was clear that his skull and brain had not formed correctly, leading to brain tissue bulging outside his skull. This condition is typically fatal at birth, yet remarkably, Ozzie has surpassed the odds and reached his first birthday in October after undergoing surgery to correct the bulge.
Despite facing various health issues, Mr. and Mrs. Gordon lovingly refer to him as a 'miracle' and are resolute in providing Ozzie with a normal life. They hope he will be accepted in society, embracing his differences and not defining him by his missing brain part and distinct appearance. They aspire to offer Ozzie the best life possible and believe that he can serve as an example, showing that miracles do happen, and special children deserve just as much love and care as any other child.
Ozzie has been diagnosed with microcephaly, a condition where a baby's head is much smaller than expected, with various potential causes, including Zika virus.
Additionally, Ozzie has the serious birth defect known as anencephaly, where parts of the brain and skull are missing. Anencephaly affects approximately one in 4,600 babies born in the US, and almost all babies with this condition pass away shortly after birth.
Ozzie's skull is complete but misshapen, leading to an encephalocele—a portion of brain tissue outside the skull, covered only by skin—occupying a third of his face. Approximately one in every 10,500 US-born babies is estimated to have an encephalocele.
Early on in Mrs. Gordon's pregnancy, it was evident that something wasn't right, and the underlying reason for Ozzie's condition remained unclear. Despite these challenges, Mr. and Mrs. Gordon remain steadfast in their determination to provide Ozzie with a loving and fulfilling life, cherishing him as the precious miracle he is.
