When Ayla Summer Mucha was born in December 2021, her parents, Cristina Vercher and Blaize Mucha, were surprised to see a big smile on her tiny face. What they didn’t know at first was that Ayla’s smile was permanent due to a rare condition called bilateral macrostomia. This condition affects the formation of the mouth, causing it to be wider than usual.
Ayla’s parents were shocked and concerned when they first saw her, as the ultrasounds during pregnancy had not shown any signs of the condition. The doctors were also taken aback, and it took hours for them to provide an explanation. Cristina, Ayla’s mom, couldn’t help but wonder if she had done something wrong during her pregnancy.
However, the doctors reassured the worried parents that the condition was not their fault. After days of genetic testing and scans, they confirmed that bilateral macrostomia is a rare condition that occurs randomly. The Mucha family then focused on helping Ayla live comfortably with her condition, which affects her eating and drinking abilities.
To raise awareness about Ayla’s condition, her parents shared her story on social media. The response was overwhelming, with over 6.5 million people liking Ayla’s cute smile on TikTok. While many people offered support and kind words, some online users made mean comments about Ayla’s appearance.
Despite the negativity, Cristina chose to focus on the positive comments and support. She emphasized the importance of kindness and acceptance, saying, “We won’t stop sharing our experiences and favorite memories because we’re really proud of Ayla.” The Mucha family’s story serves as a reminder to celebrate diversity and promote inclusivity, and Ayla’s permanent smile continues to brighten the lives of those around her.
