When Ayla Summer Mucha was born in December 2021, her parents were taken aback by the huge smile that greeted them. Little did they know that this smile, caused by a rare condition called bilateral macrostomia, would make Ayla a social media sensation.
Cristina Vercher and Blaize Mucha of Australia were overjoyed to finally meet their baby girl after months of anticipation. However, during the C-section birth, doctors delivered some shocking news. Ayla had bilateral macrostomia, a rare facial cleft where the corners of the mouth don’t properly fuse together during pregnancy. Only 14 cases of this condition have been reported in medical literature.
The discovery of Ayla’s large mouth opening was a complete surprise to her parents, as it hadn’t been picked up on ultrasound scans. At just 23 years old, Vercher admits that she and her husband were instantly worried when they saw their daughter for the first time. The condition was obvious, and they had never met anyone born with macrostomia before.
The shock wasn’t just felt by the parents. Doctors were also unprepared to handle a baby with bilateral macrostomia, which led to hours of uncertainty and little support from the hospital. Vercher questioned where she went wrong as a mother, fearing that she had somehow caused her daughter’s condition. However, through genetic testing and scans, they received reassurance that they were not to blame.
Despite the challenges posed by the condition, the Muchas chose to focus on helping Ayla live with it. Surgery is often recommended in such cases, as it can help improve functionality, such as latching and suckling.
Determined to raise awareness about the condition, the young couple shared Ayla’s story on social media. To their surprise, her distinctive smile captured the hearts of millions of online users. People from around the world sent messages of support and admiration, overwhelming the Muchas with positivity.
While there were a few trolls who tried to bring them down, Ayla’s loyal followers quickly shut them down with kind and uplifting comments. Vercher encouraged others to be kind and accepting of all people, as anyone could experience such challenges in life.
The Muchas refused to let the online hate deter them from sharing their joy and experiences. Ayla recently celebrated her 2nd birthday, and it is believed that she successfully had surgery to correct her enlarged mouth. The little girl, who became a big sister to baby brother Sonny in November 2023, has minimal scarring from the procedure.
We are inspired by the Muchas’ resilience and their commitment to spreading love and acceptance. Let us celebrate this beautiful family and share their story to encourage kindness and understanding in the world.
