Miracle baby defies odds, celebrates birthday

Jaxon Emmett Buell was born with a large chunk of his skull missing, due to a condition known as Anencephaly – a malformation that developed while he was in the womb and affects one in about 4,860 babies in the US.

Almost a year and a half ago, Brandon and Brittany Buell were told devastating news by doctors: their unborn baby had developed a condition that would develop into a serious birth defect. “No doctor could tell us exactly what was wrong or what to expect, but we did make sure to ask if Jaxon was in pain or was suffering, and we asked if there were any added risks for Brittany during the pregnancy or potentially at time of delivery”. “There are so many things about Jaxon, our family, and his story that are completely misunderstood”, he said.

The baby’s unbelievable fight for survival has fascinated people throughout the USA, and over 105,000 people have hit like on his Facebook page and thousands are sharing his story.

Brandon began his post on Saturday saying that Jaxon has begun saying “Mama” and that those remarking on the situation have no idea what the child is actually going through. “Of course, I lost it at work so they sent me home and the rest of the day was a blur truly”.

Jaxon’s mother, Brittany, said the idea of her baby not making it through birth was devastating and unfathomable.

Ms Buell, 27, said she was devastated at the thought her son wouldn’t survive.

Mr Buell told the Mail Online: “Who are we to decide? I’m aware tomorrow he may not be here”, Mrs. Buell said. It was heart breaking because something I always wanted my whole life was happening, but then I was told there was a possibility it might be a stillborn.

He spent his first three weeks connected to multiple tubes in a neonatal intensive-care unit in Winnie Palmer Hospital, Florida, as brain surgeons tried to understand his condition.

A year later, his parents say he is “thriving” despite knowing that he may not live much longer. I’m very aware that today maybe his last day.

‘It is always in the back of my mind. If we can keep Brittany at home, giving him that 24/7 care is truly priceless and that’s what his account allows us to do’.

The Buells, with the loving help of friends and family, have set up a GoFundMe Page to help with Jaxon’s staggering medical bills.

The family have so far raised an impressive $54,902 of their $70,000 target.