Ex-partner of Aaron Chalmers discloses their son's potential need for a wheelchair due to health condition, also shares her tears of devastation.
In a world where every child is a unique blessing, Oakley, the three-year-old son of Talia Oatway and former Geordie Shore star Aaron Chalmers, was born with a rare genetic disorder known as Apert Syndrome. This condition, first discovered in the early 20th century, is characterized by the premature fusion of certain skull bones, affecting the shape of the head and face, and malformations of the hands and feet.
Apert Syndrome is caused by mutations in the FGFR2 gene. Symptoms include a misshapen skull, syndactyly (fusion) of fingers and toes, facial anomalies, possible intellectual disability, and other complications such as hearing loss, dental problems, and heart defects.
For Oakley, these symptoms translate into a characteristic appearance with bones in the skull and face fusing and not growing in proportion, fusion of his fingers and toes, and facial anomalies such as a flattened midface, prominent eyes, and a beaked nose. The bones on the bottom of his feet are becoming more prominent, which may cause difficulties in walking or other movements.
The impact of Apert Syndrome on Oakley's mobility is significant. The fusion of his fingers and toes can impair his fine and gross motor skills, limiting his hand function and dexterity. Skeletal abnormalities may also cause difficulties in walking or other movements if the foot bones are involved. Oakley can walk outside for a short time, but he walks more at home.
Talia Oatway, Oakley's mother, has expressed feeling overwhelmed and emotional due to Oakley's health condition. Despite the challenges, she remains resilient, advocating for her son and raising awareness about Apert Syndrome.
In June last year, Oakley underwent emergency surgery after a hole was found in his skull, causing brain fluid to leak out. More recently, he underwent a seven-hour surgery on his hand. These medical interventions are common for individuals with Apert Syndrome and are aimed at improving function and quality of life.
APERT syndrome occurs in one in every 65,000 to 88,000 births. While many children may require feet surgery and may depend on wheelchairs at times, each case is unique, and the severity of the symptoms can vary greatly.
Talia Oatway found fame thanks to her relationship with MTV reality star Aaron Chalmers. The couple split up in December 2022 after five years together. Aaron is now an MMA fighter.
Apert Syndrome can also increase a child's risk of hydrocephalus, where pressure builds on the brain, and other complications such as breathing difficulties and heart problems, which require life-long monitoring. Despite these challenges, the spirit of Oakley and his mother, Talia, continues to inspire those around them.
- Talia Oatway, a mother who faced the challenges of raising a child with Apert Syndrome, has also been advocating for health and wellness, particularly mental health, as the emotional impact of chronic diseases on parents can be profound.
- As Oakley grows and faces various medical-conditions related to Apert Syndrome, his mother's focus on his health and wellness becomes increasingly important, ensuring he receives proper care for conditions such as hearing loss, dental problems, and heart defects.
- In the context of parenting, Talia Oatway's resilience in managing Oakley's rare genetic disorder serves as an example for other parents dealing with chronic diseases and medical-conditions in their children, demonstrating the importance of support networks and the active pursuit of health and wellness resources.
