Branson Figueroa is a toddler who is about to steal your heart after you watch his emotional and touching video below.
You see, Branson has craniosynostosis – a birth defect that affects approximately one out of every 2,000 live births. It’s a condition that affects skull bone growth, resulting in an abnormal head shape and can interfere with the growth of the brain.
Normally, doctors recommend a surgery that would occur in the very early stages of a child’s life – it is extremely invasive and the younger the child, the greater chances of success due to the pliability of their bones.
Sometimes the condition is very obvious in babies and toddler but other times it is very subtle – just as it was in Branson’s case.
It wasn’t until little Branson was 18-months old when his mother, Heather, was giving him a haircut. That’s when she noticed that something felt just a little strange and different about the shape of her son’s skull. So, she decided to make an appointment with the doctor to make sure everything was alright – that when the long journey for Branson and his family began.
Heather took her son to multiple specialists for opinions and many of them said that they didn’t think his condition was severe enough to warrant such an invasive surgery. Heather, however, says there was something in her gut that was telling her otherwise.
Heather’s motherly instincts said that surgery was the best option because Branson would complain about being “uncomfortable” throughout the night and being unable to sleep.
That’s when Heather finally met a doctor that agreed that her concerns were completely valid.
She visited the University of Vermont Medical Center where they completely understood her concerns and took them very seriously. The hospital staff agreed that his condition wasn’t very severe but in order to avoid complications down the road, it would be best to have the surgery.
The day of the surgery came around and as brave, little Branson was going under general anesthesia, he held onto his mama’s hand and they “danced” together to the viral song “Baby Shark” that a nurse was playing on her phone.
After 7 grueling hours, the surgery was complete – and it went without a hitch.
Two days after the invasive surgery to his skull and brain, Branson was up and moving around the hospital with nurses. They all decided it was time to see if he could walk on his own – that’s when Heather grabbed her phone to film the special moment.
As Heather films, Branson confidently takes steps toward his mom who is guiding her with her voice.
“I was bawling with joy. I was just so proud,” Heather told Good Morning America. “He was just escatic and he was guided by my voice. We complain about the smallest things in life and for him to walk after this surgery, as happy and determined as he was, is so beautiful.”
Then, four weeks after surgery, Heather provided everyone with another update. The proud mom said that his scar was healing very nicely and the changes she’s seen in her son have been magnificent. She hopes that this story spreads more positivity and joy in the world.
Watch the full video for yourself below. Fair warning – you might need a tissue!
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