Born with a rare condition called Hemimegalencephaly, 4-week-old Caper Mesa’s life has already been filled with immense challenges.
His mother, Andalusia, recalls the terrifying moment when her newborn son’s breathing stopped and doctors rushed to save him. It was just the beginning of an ongoing battle for Caper’s health.
Caper’s condition caused seizures almost immediately after birth, which led to a series of life-saving tests.
After an MRI revealed a serious brain malformation on his left side, doctors confirmed that the only way to give him a chance at survival was through a hemispherectomy — a procedure that removes half of the brain.
At only four weeks old, Caper underwent the $5 million surgery. The procedure was the first of its kind for the baby, offering a slim chance of stopping his seizures.
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Unfortunately, Caper’s journey didn’t end there. Despite the first surgery’s 60% success rate, the seizures returned, and he had to undergo another procedure, which had a 50% chance of success.
Caper now lives with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, still facing several seizures each week. His parents, Andalusia and Charles, have learned to adjust to their new reality.
The road ahead remains uncertain, but their unwavering love for their son continues to drive them forward.
As Caper undergoes further treatments, including an implant to reduce his seizures, his family remains hopeful. They find strength in the support of other families and in the simple joy of being together.
Through their struggles, they continue to advocate for better care and encourage other parents to trust their instincts.