Geordie Shore star Aaron Chalmer’s ex shares first pics of her disabled son and reveals heartbreak
AARON Chalmer’s ex-girlfriend Talia Oatway has shared the first pictures of their disabled son seven months after his birth.
Model Talia opened up about the “toughest months” of her life in this incredibly moving and brave post as she revealed her son Oakley was born with a rare genetic condition called Apert Syndrome.
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Geordie Shore star Aaron and Talia, who share three children, split late last year after five years together.
Talia has documented her medical journey for months, traveling in and out of the hospital while being a single mom to her other children.
While she’s kept Oakley’s picture a secret until now, Talia finally felt ready to share her son with her world and received thousands of messages of support.
She told her followers: “It’s been the hardest 7 months of my entire life. I was thrown into a medical world with no warning, no time to prepare. Only now do I feel like I’m coming to terms with everything, finally coming to terms with how I’m feeling, and embracing our new normal.
“This is my beautiful son Oakley Bleu, he was born with a rare genetic condition called Apert Syndrome.
“Apert syndrome causes sutures in the skull to fuse prematurely, resulting in a different head shape. Syndactyly – fusion of bones in hands and feet). Cleft in the hard palate causing difficulty eating and speaking.
“Choanal stenosis (narrowing of the airways) causing difficulty breathing.
“Apert syndrome often causes a global developmental and learning delay. (Oakley sleeps on a respirator) and uses oxygen.”
She continued, “Oakley has a long way to go, this is a lifelong journey and it won’t be easy. But my boy, you showed me how strong you are! You are brave and determined and I love you more than you will ever know. I hope that by sharing our journey I can raise awareness and support other medical families.
“I’m so proud of this boy, he showed me that nothing matters in this world but health and love. It’s taken me a long time to get where I am, but I’m finally starting to feel happy again.
“Son, you’ve got two great brothers and one great big sister behind you. We have absolutely everything we need. Let us do this.”
Geordie Shore star Holly Hagan commented: “The strongest little boy!! Definitely takes after his mom.”
Ms Hinch wrote: “Adorable pretty little darling the last picture is just everything the sweetest precious little smile we all have your back mum and Oakley xx.”
While Olivia Bowen added: “Just so precious. You both do this amazing. What a hero.”
What is Apert Syndrome?
Apert syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that is present at birth.
People with Apert syndrome can have significant deformities of the skull, face, hands, and feet.
Apert syndrome is characterized by craniosynostosis, a condition in which the fibrous joints (sutures) between the bones of the skull close prematurely.
This can cause the top of the head to appear pointed and can affect facial bones. Certain fingers or toes may be fused or webbed. A
According to rarediseases.org, affected children may also have intellectual disabilities. The severity of the symptoms varies from person to person.
Apert syndrome almost always results from new genetic changes (mutations) that occur randomly.
People with Apert syndrome may undergo therapies that target specific symptoms. This can include reconstructive cranial, facial, hand and foot surgeries.
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