Before their world was turned upside down by the news of their unborn child’s condition, Thembe and Sipho Moyo probably had dreams and aspirations for their growing family. Like many parents-to-be, they probably envisioned a future filled with joy, laughter, and beautiful memories with their little ones. However, an unexpected diagnosis of nasal encephalocele shattered these expectations and plunged them into a world of uncertainty and fear. Despite the overwhelming challenges they faced, the Moyas demonstrated incredible strength, resilience, and unwavering love as they navigated the difficult road ahead. Their story is a powerful reminder of the deep bond between parents and children and the extraordinary lengths they will go to protect and nurture their offspring, regardless of the obstacles they encounter along the way.
Doctors informed Thembe Moyo that her pregnancy was problematic when she was 21 weeks old.
Because of the nasal encephalocele, a large portion of the fetus’s brain formed outside of his skull on his forehead while he was still inside. The child’s father, Sipho Moyo, described his grief and the terrible times, saying: “In other words, he would not be human.” He was never human.”
The prognosis was cautious because it was the first time doctors had seen an encephalocele of this size in a patient.
But ultimately the choice to have a child of that kind belonged to the parents who were forced to do so.
Their son was born prematurely, weeks ahead of schedule, and six days later underwent lengthy surgery to replace the brain in his skull, all because they chose to live.
Three years after the horrific event, Jayden is a healthy, happy, and wonderful young man, despite the odds seemingly stacked against him. The operation was successful. His parents took the appropriate steps!
“His smile, considering what he’s been through, he’s an amazing kid,” Mr Moyo said.
According to doctors, it should not have any long-term side effects.
With the aim of supporting those with a different face, the Moys founded the Face Up charity.
“Although life isn’t perfect, we live in a world where everything has to be flawless. Even now, Jayden isn’t flawless by global standards, but what is?” Moyo noted.
Thembe and Sipho Moyo’s journey, from the initial shock of their son Jayden’s diagnosis to the joy of seeing him grow up to be a healthy and happy child, is a testament to the power of parental love and the resilience of the human spirit. Despite the incredibly difficult decision, they decided to embrace life and give their son a chance to defy the odds. Jayden’s remarkable recovery and his contagious smile serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration to others facing similar challenges. Through their charity Face Up Moyos, they not only provide support to individuals with facial differences but also spread the message of acceptance and celebration of diversity. Their story reminds us that perfection is not defined by looks but by the courage to face adversity with love and determination. Jayden may not measure up to society’s standards of perfection, but in the eyes of his parents and everyone who knows him, he is a shining example of the beauty, resilience, and limitless potential of the human spirit.