To say Levi Alaimalo is a one in a million baby would be an understatement.
The Deer Park baby was born with a number of complexities, which included the absence of bones from his face.
His conditions are so rare that it is believed Levi is the first person in the world to be born with them.
Levi’s mum, Sarah Boyd, said when he was born Levi faced a future of multiple hospital visits and surgeries. Doctors said the prognosis was grim.
“No one was optimistic that he would live and we were told that if he did survive, then he wouldn’t have very good quality of life.”
However, a year later Levi has not only defied the odds, he’s left seasoned medical professionals in awe.
“We celebrated his first birthday last week. Each birthday is special, but considering what he’s gone through, this was extra special,” Ms Boyd said.
“He eats three meals a day, drinks, plays with his sisters, he’s just like any other little boy.
“We actually got a call from a surgeon the other day who had just been involved in a round table meeting on possible reconstructions and surgeries.
“I was told that at that meeting there was one main consistency from all the doctors and that was that Levi is amazing.”
Ms Boyd credits the Royal Children’s Hospital with saving Levi’s life.
He was transferred to the hospital as soon as he was born.
“So far Levi has had seven surgeries,” Ms Boyd said. “The first six were in the first two months of his life, then he had another at eight months.
“Because he is a world first, doctors aren’t sure as to what surgeries will work and what won’t, but he’ll need at least two surgeries per year for the next 5-10 years. Presently they are building a surgical plan for his reconstruction.”
She has urged all Victorians to dig deep during the upcoming Good Friday Appeal.
“I’m comfortable saying without that hospital my son would be dead.
“We’ve benefitted so much from the generosity of others and now we really need to ensure the hospital gets what it needs.”
To donate to the appeal visit: www.goodfridayappeal.com.au
