When Ayla Summer Mucha was born in December 2021, her parents, Cristina Vercher and Blaize Mucha, were taken aback by her striking smile. However, their initial shock wasn’t due to her adorable expression, but rather the rare condition that caused it – bilateral macrostomia.
This extremely rare facial cleft, affecting only 14 documented cases, left Ayla’s mouth partially formed, with the corners failing to fuse during pregnancy. The unexpected diagnosis shook Cristina and Blaize, who had no prior knowledge of the condition.
“We were instantly worried,” Cristina recalled. “The condition was obvious, and we were unaware of what to expect.” The hospital’s lack of experience with macrostomia added to their concerns.
Despite the challenges, Cristina and Blaize soon fell in love with Ayla’s unique smile. They decided to share her story on social media, hoping to raise awareness and connect with others who might be going through similar experiences.
Ayla’s TikTok account quickly gained 6.5 million followers, with fans adoring her infectious smile. The family received an outpouring of support, with many encouraging them to ignore the occasional negative comments.
Cristina emphasized the importance of kindness and acceptance. “Social media can be divided, but we won’t stop sharing our experiences. We’re proud of Ayla, and her story deserves to be told.”
Recently, Ayla celebrated her second birthday and became a big sister to baby Sonny. Although unconfirmed, it appears she underwent successful surgery to correct her condition, with minimal scarring.
The Muchas’ courage in sharing Ayla’s journey has inspired countless people. As Cristina aptly put it, “Conditions like this can happen to anyone. We’re grateful for the love and support.”
