Christina Buchanan, a resident of Woodbury, Tennessee, has been diagnosed with Tessier cleft lip and palate, an exceptionally rare condition caused by improper joining of facial tissues during development. This condition has left Christina completely blind and unable to eat or speak, with significant gaps in his face. It is worth noting that this condition has only been documented 60 times in medical history. However, despite these challenges, Christina continues to live a fulfilling life. He engages in activities such as wrestling with his younger brother, playing with Lego, and learning karate. His resilience and positivity serve as an inspiration, as he hopes to change attitudes towards individuals with severe facial disfigurements.
Lacey Buchanan cradling her newborn, Christian, in her arms – an adorable snapshot captured by Barcroft media.
Dad Chris Buchanan peered over his son Christian’s crib in the hospital, as captured by Barcroft media. Christian’s mother, Lacey, shared with Barcroft TV that Christian suffers from a condition called Tessier Cleft Lip and Palate, specifically classified as levels three, four, and five, which also includes microphthalmia.
Lacey explained that Christian’s condition was caused by amniotic banding syndrome, where fibrous bands can form in the womb and, if they attach to the baby, restrict blood flow. Unfortunately, in Christian’s case, these bands attached to his face.
Since birth, Christian faced significant challenges due to the gaps in his face caused by the cleft, making it difficult for him to eat. As a result, he has relied on a feeding tube since he was only four days old. In addition to his inability to see, Christian’s condition has also affected his learning and speech development. Despite these obstacles, he has not let them hinder him from living a fulfilled life.
Lacey and Christian have joined forces in an inspiring campaign to spread awareness about individuals who face challenges due to facial disabilities.
Christian Buchanan proudly wears his graduation gown, and his mother, Lacey, couldn’t be happier. According to Lacey, Christian is just like any other six-year-old boy who loves to play and wrestle with his younger brother. However, his daily life is mostly affected by his visual impairment.
Being completely blind, Christian faces the unique challenge of havigating a world designed for sighted individuals. He must learn to adapt and live in a world without the ability to see, which can sometimes be a struggle. However, Lacey is determined to help him overcome these obstacles and find ways to make things work.
Although they may need to approach certain tasks differently, Lacey believes that living without sight is entirely manageable for Christian. He is resilient and determined, and with their love and support, he is thriving despite his visual impairment.
Father Chris Buchanan with his children Chandler, Lacey, and Christian.
(Barcroft media)
Christian was born with significant facial deformities, which have required multiple surgeries to correct. He is currently homeschooled but also attends the Special Kids Therapy & Nursing Centre in Murfreesboro. This center provides him with various opportunities to develop new skills and improve his overall well-being.
Currently, Christian participates in a Lego class and a US geography class, as well as a creative writing program. This allows him to engage with other children his age and has greatly enhanced his social interactions and friendships.
Additionally, Christian is undergoing occupational therapy to help him become more independent in activities such as dressing himself. Recently, he has successfully learned how to take off his shoes, which is a significant milestone for him.
Overall, Christian has undergone several surgeries, including three to reconstruct his face and close the gaps caused by his cleft. These procedures have enabled him to eventually speak and eat properly, improving his quality of life.
Lacey and Christiaan are the primary subjects of Barcroft Media’s latest feature.
Lacey Buchana, snuggled up with her six-year-old son Christian, shared that Christian will undergo more surgeries in the future as part of his condition. She expressed her hope to raise him in a world that understands and accepts him. However, Lacey was taken aback by some people’s reactions to Christian. Prior to his birth, she was unaware of the societal stigma surrounding differences in appearance. She noticed that many people did not know how to handle someone with a distinct appearance. Recently, while they were in a store, Christian was playing with a toy on a shelf when a lady walked by and made a disparaging comment. Christian has also overheard kids questioning why he looks different and expressing confusion about his eyes. In response, Lacey has always answered children in a positive and cheerful tone, explaining that Christian was born that way.
Christian Buchanan is seen engaging in the practice of karate with his instructor. People may wonder why he has red eyes, but he simply explains that it’s just a unique characteristic that he was born with, and he embraces it. Over time, he has learned to confidently say, “That’s just how God made me.” Lacey, Christian’s mother, describes him as independent, recalling how he would insist on doing things by himself, even at a young age. Apart from his passion for playing the violin, Christian is currently working towards achieving an orange belt in karate, and his newfound confidence is evident to his mother.