January has become a deeply meaningful month for our family. While many people see it as a fresh start to a new year, for us it carries a much deeper purpose. January is VACTERL and Birth Defect Awareness Month, and it is a time that reminds me why sharing our story matters so much. It is a chance to speak up for children like my son, Geo, who was born with a rare and complex condition that changed our lives forever. As his mother, I feel a responsibility not only to celebrate his strength, but also to raise awareness, advocate for better research, and remind other families that they are not alone.
VACTERL is not a condition most people have heard of until it suddenly becomes part of their lives. The name itself is an acronym that represents the body systems it can affect: Vertebrae, Anus, Cardiac (heart), Tracheo-Esophageal, Renal (kidneys), and Limb differences. To receive a diagnosis, at least three of these systems must be involved. The exact cause of VACTERL is still unknown, which can make the diagnosis even more frightening. What doctors do know is that it occurs very early in pregnancy, during critical stages of development. Though it is considered rare, affecting a small percentage of live births, the impact on families is profound and lifelong.
For Geo, VACTERL was not just a diagnosis on paper. It was something we faced the moment he entered the world. Shortly after his birth, doctors identified multiple abnormalities involving his spine, heart, kidneys, and limbs. What should have been a peaceful, joyful beginning to motherhood quickly turned into a blur of medical terms, urgent conversations, and overwhelming fear. I remember looking at my newborn son and feeling two emotions at once: immense love and deep uncertainty about what his future would hold.
The early days were especially hard. While we were learning how to be new parents, we were also learning how to navigate a complex medical world. Specialists came and went, tests were ordered, and decisions had to be made quickly. Geo’s tiny body endured more than many adults face in a lifetime, yet even then, there was something remarkable about him. He was calm, alert, and somehow strong in ways that words can’t fully describe. From the very beginning, he showed us that he was a fighter.
One of the most terrifying moments came when Geo needed his first surgery, just days after he was born. No parent is ever prepared to watch their newborn be taken into an operating room. I remember holding his small hand, memorizing the feel of his skin, and silently begging the universe to keep him safe. The hours felt endless. Fear and hope battled inside my heart, and all I could do was trust the medical team and pray.
When Geo was finally brought back to us, he looked fragile and exhausted, but he was alive. That moment changed me forever. It taught me that survival itself is something to be grateful for, and that even the smallest victories deserve to be celebrated. That surgery was only the beginning. Over time, Geo would face more procedures, ongoing treatments, and constant monitoring. Hospital visits became part of our routine. Sleepless nights, anxious waiting, and emotional exhaustion became familiar companions.
One of Geo’s greatest challenges has been related to his kidney function. Regular treatments and hospital stays were necessary to help his body do what it struggled to do on its own. His heart required close observation, and his physical development needed ongoing therapy and support. Progress often came slowly, and sometimes it felt like we were taking two steps forward and one step back. But every small milestone mattered. Every smile, every movement, every sign of growth felt like a miracle.
Through it all, Geo never stopped surprising us. As he grew, his personality began to shine. He learned to crawl, then to walk, and eventually to talk. Each achievement carried extra weight because we knew how much effort it took for him to get there. Geo is curious, joyful, and full of life. His laughter has a way of filling a room, and his determination is nothing short of inspiring. He is not defined by his diagnosis. He is defined by his spirit.
We could not have made it through this journey alone. Our medical team became an extension of our family. Doctors, nurses, and specialists treated Geo with compassion and respect, seeing him as more than a list of conditions. Their dedication and kindness carried us through some of our darkest moments. Equally important was the support of our family and friends. The prayers, messages, and acts of kindness reminded us that we were surrounded by love, even when the road felt impossibly hard.
As the years passed, my role as Geo’s mother evolved. I realized that beyond caring for him, I also needed to speak for him. Advocacy became a calling. Raising awareness about VACTERL is deeply personal, but it is also necessary. Too many families face this diagnosis feeling isolated and unprepared. By sharing our story, I hope to help others feel seen, supported, and empowered. Awareness leads to understanding, and understanding leads to better care, research, and compassion.
Looking back on everything Geo has endured, I feel an overwhelming sense of pride. He has taught me lessons I never expected to learn: patience, resilience, gratitude, and the true meaning of strength. Despite the challenges he continues to face, he chooses joy. He chooses connection. He chooses to live fully, and in doing so, he inspires everyone around him.
The road ahead is still uncertain. We know there will be more medical decisions, more obstacles, and more moments that test our strength as a family. But we also know this: we face the future together. Love has carried us this far, and it will continue to guide us forward. Geo’s story is not just about surviving a rare condition. It is about hope, faith, and the power of community.
To every family walking a similar path, please know that you are not alone. Your journey may be different, but your strength is just as real. Hold on to hope, lean on those who care about you, and never underestimate the power of love. If Geo has taught us anything, it is that even the most fragile beginnings can grow into stories of incredible courage. And sometimes, the bravest journeys are the ones that teach us how strong the human heart can be.