Miracle baby defies the odds (From Western Telegraph)

Miracle baby defies the odds

10:05am Saturday 19th January 2008 in Search

When doctors advised a Pembrokeshire couple to terminate their potentially disabled child, they faced the hardest decision of their young lives. But against all odds, their miracle baby astounded the medical profession when he was born fit and healthy in October.

Becky Weatherall and Kris Kramer, from Pembroke Dock, refused to abort their child, despite doctors' fears that he would not survive more than a few hours or be left severely disabled.

Brandon Kramer, who is now three months old, was diagnosed with rhombencephalosynapsis (RS), an extremely rare congenital abnormality, which affects the development of the brain, resulting in fluid on the brain and swelling of the head. A 2006 study found that only one in 1000 babies are affected by the condition.

But Becky and Kris, both aged 23, decided to continue with the pregnancy and came to terms with Brandon's potential disability. Kris said: "We decided that if he was going to die at least it would be in our arms and not in Becky's stomach."

"This is the baby that was given a death sentence before he was born and he is perfect, he's got a real attitude, a proper little fighter" said Becky.

When Becky and Kris went for her 20 week scan, they were told that something didn't look right and were referred to the Heath Hospital, Cardiff, for further tests and scans.

Becky told the Western Telegraph: "We had to visit the Heath every two weeks for a scan and every time we went it just got worse and worse. The doctors said he would only live for a few hours or if he did survive he would be a vegetable and blind and deaf.

"Six times we were told to have an abortion. They said you are only young."

Kris added: "It was such a stressful time. Two weeks before he was due his condition had worsened but in that two weeks a miracle happened. The fluid had drained away."

Becky said: "We had support from Ty Hafan. We didn't know what to do, if he's going to die should we buy things for him or not. Ty Hafan offered us a room to spend our last few hours with him in more relaxed surroundings."

Despite all the worry and concerns about the birth of Brandon, Becky was able to give birth naturally and spent only a week in hospital because he was jaundice. A number of different teams were allocated for the many potential problems facing Brandon, with over 40 doctors present at the birth, but thankfully their expertise was not required.

On Christmas Eve the family received the news they had been waiting for, when the results of an MRI scan showed there was no damage to Brandon's brain.

His cerebellum, which doctors had said was very small, deformed and fused together, was shown in the scan to have only slight damage on the right hand side. This is unlikely to cause any problems for Brandon as he grows.

In fact, Brandon is not just healthy, he is advanced for his age. The three month old already has five teeth and can sit up for short periods. Kris said: "The health visitor can't get over how advanced he is. The doctors were really surprised."

Becky and Kris have had no explanation to why Brandon has done so well and questions remain surrounding the misdiagnosis of his prospects. This lack of answers has continued the stress and worry for the couple. Becky said: "Every time he is slightly ill or his cry changes, we immediately panic and think it's his head. We hope to get an explanation one day."

To hear more about Becky, Kris and Brandon's ordeal click on the video news icon on the Western Telegraph website.