Becca's Bane and Blessings

January 14, 1954. Margaret Pendell goes into labor and brings forth daughter #4. Joy and concern. Rebecca has bilateral cleft palate and bilateral cleft lip. Bilateral means that the cleft opening includes the entire palate and upper lip and also includes the nostril and nose development.

Born in Flint, Michigan, Rebecca doesn’t get to go home. Her first road trip takes her to Ann Arbor, Michigan. Dr. Reed O. Dingman is in charge and for the next 24 years, will direct and perform the experimental and cutting-edge treatments that will re-design Rebecca’s mouth, lips, and nose.

Cleft palate is the most serious problem that has to be dealt with. Without a palate, it is impossible for the child to suck and take nourishment on her own. So, we have to find a way to feed this baby. Equally problematic is the vulnerability to infection. The bones of the ears and the bones surrounding the brain are so thin now that they are exposed to the mouth and throat area, extra care must be taken to protect this child from harmful bacteria and viri that could cause infection and possible death. So many things to deal with, people to be informed, prayer, help, and logistics of dealing with this special needs child.