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They refused an abortion despite the facial deformity of their unborn child. This is what he looks like 2 years later

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They refused an abortion despite the facial deformity of their unborn child. This is what he looks like 2 years later

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Jan , 22. 12. 2025

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Pregnancy is for many women the most beautiful time of their lives, but sometimes it can bring unexpected challenges. This story focuses on the determination and love of parents who decided to fight for their son despite a serious diagnosis.

A diagnosis that changed everything

At 21 weeks of pregnancy, Sarah and Chris learned that their unborn son had a bilateral cleft lip and palate. A cleft palate or lip is a congenital defect in which there is a split or opening in the central part of the face. It can vary in severity, from a small notch in the lip to pronounced deformities that also affect the nose and the palate.

Doctors recommended that the parents terminate the pregnancy because the cleft could be associated with other health problems. However, Sarah and Chris had a different view. They decided that regardless of appearance and possible complications, they wanted to save their child and take care of him.

The decision to fight

Sarah and Chris knew that a cleft could prevent a child from performing everyday activities such as eating, drinking, smiling and sometimes even breathing. Nevertheless, they decided to face the challenges head on. Sarah was determined to change people’s attitudes toward children with cleft lips and palates. She decided to post ultrasound, birth and Brody’s first birthday photos on Facebook and Instagram to raise awareness about this condition.

Challenges and words of support

After posting the photos, Sarah encountered various reactions. Some people criticized her, but she tried to turn those reactions into an opportunity to educate others. During this time there were also instances of incredible kindness, such as when a stranger in a restaurant handed her a check for $1,000 with the note: “For the beautiful baby.” This gift helped the family fund the necessary surgeries.

Brody’s progress

Thanks to a combination of expert medical care and unwavering parental support, Brody is beginning to recover. Although he still faces several surgeries, he is already happy and content. Today Brody looks amazing and, thanks to experienced doctors and surgeons, can eat and speak without difficulty.

Every child deserves the best

Little Brody’s story shows that even in difficult times, parents’ love, courage and determination are key. Every child deserves a chance at a full life, regardless of the physical challenges they face. With the support and care of his parents and the kindness of strangers, Brody has a chance at a happy and healthy life.

This story is an inspiration to anyone facing challenges and reminds us that love and support can overcome even the greatest obstacles.

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Cholesterol and sugar: what really raises LDL and how to protect the liver

Eggs, liver and bacon are often labeled as the main culprits of high cholesterol. The reality is more complex. For most people, dietary cholesterol has only a limited effect on blood cholesterol levels. Much more important is the overall diet, the proportion of saturated and trans fatty acids, intake of added sugars, body weight, genetics and lifestyle. Below you will find a balanced overview of what the facts say – without myths and shortcuts.

What cholesterol is and why the body needs it

Cholesterol is a fatty substance essential for building cell membranes, producing hormones and vitamin D. In the blood it is carried in the form of lipoproteins. LDL ("bad") carries cholesterol to tissues, HDL ("good") takes it back to the liver. The goal is to keep LDL low and HDL in an appropriate range.

Dietary cholesterol vs. saturated fats and trans fats

In most healthy people, dietary cholesterol (e.g., from eggs) has only a small effect on LDL. A much stronger factor is saturated fats (fatty processed meats, high-fat cheeses, large amounts of butter) and trans fats (industrially hydrogenated fats), which raise LDL and can lower HDL. Eggs are also a source of nutrients (e.g., choline), so for most people they can be part of a balanced diet.

How added sugars and refined carbohydrates worsen the blood lipid profile

High intake of added sugars and refined carbohydrates (sweetened drinks, sweets, white bread) raises triglycerides and promotes the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The liver then more often releases VLDL/LDL particles and the overall lipid profile worsens. The liver is particularly harmed by excess fructose from sweetened drinks and syrups.

The role of choline and "healthy" fats

Choline (eggs, lean meat, legumes) helps form and export fat particles from the liver, thereby supporting its normal function. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (olive oil, nuts, seeds, fish) can lower LDL and some fractions of inflammatory lipids, if you also limit saturated fats and added sugars.

When eggs can be a problem

For a portion of the population with a genetic burden (e.g., familial hypercholesterolemia) or for people with very high LDL, even dietary cholesterol can play a larger role. In such cases, individual recommendations from a physician and a nutrition therapist are decisive.

Practical meal plan for healthy lipids and liver

  • Limit added sugars: sweetened drinks, confectionery, excess white-flour baked goods.
  • Prefer unsaturated fats: olive oil, rapeseed oil, nuts, seeds, avocado, fatty sea fish twice a week.
  • Reduce saturated fats and avoid trans fats: processed meats, fast food, toppings made from partially hydrogenated fats.
  • Eat enough protein: fish, poultry, eggs, legumes, fermented dairy products – they support satiety and muscle maintenance.
  • Fiber: vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes – soluble fiber helps lower LDL.
  • Alcohol in moderation: excess increases triglycerides and burdens the liver.
  • Hydration and exercise: 150–300 minutes of moderate activity per week (brisk walking, cycling), strength training twice weekly.
  • Body weight: even a 5–10% weight reduction can noticeably improve triglycerides and LDL.

Key takeaway: it's not "forbidden eggs", but the overall dietary pattern

For most people, eggs or liver alone do not "cause" high cholesterol. The key is the combination of fewer saturated fats, less added sugar and more unsaturated fats, fiber and exercise. If you have high LDL, a family history or liver disease, discuss a specific eating plan with your doctor – sometimes pharmacotherapy (e.g., statins) is also necessary.

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