After an initial laparoscopic surgery failed because the membrane was too thick, Dr. Emanuel Vlastos at Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital performed a groundbreaking two-step delivery: Partial Delivery (25 Weeks): Cassian was partially delivered via C-section—only his head and arms were removed from the womb. Life-Saving Surgery: While still connected to his mother's placenta for oxygen, surgeons performed a tracheostomy to create an airway and inserted a stent. He was then placed back inside the womb to continue growing. Final Birth (31 Weeks): When Keishera's water broke weeks later, a team of over 30 medical professionals successfully delivered Cassian and transitioned him to a ventilator. Do you feel that modern medicine can sometimes feel miraculous?

Current status: Cassian is now approaching his first birthday. While he is home and doing well, his journey isn't over: He remains on a ventilator and uses a feeding tube. He is expected to undergo at least three more surgeries before age two to fully clear his airway. Dr. Vlastos, who has seen only three survivors of CHAOS in his 42-year career, plans to present this successful case at an international medical conference in Japan later this year. Does this story make you feel hopeful for children born with this condition?