Jaelynn's Family Gives Back
Team Jae Bear walks to support the craniofacial department

Jaeylnn's life would have been a lot different without Cincinnati Children's. Born with a complete bilateral cleft lip and palate, Jaelynn needed specialized care.

Babies born with a cleft lip/palate can have feeding problems, recurring ear infections, and are at great risk for hearing loss, speech and dental problems. As they grow up, many also battle social, emotional and behavioral problems due to fears about looking different from others and all of the medical care they require.

Jaelynn underwent her first surgery when she was just 3 months old. When she was 9 months old, she had her first surgery to create her palate. Her care team at Cincinnati Children’s has been with her every step of the way.

“I am beyond happy with the care at Cincinnati Children’s,” Crysta says. “People who meet Jaelynn today, they don’t even notice her scars. You can’t see them. I’m so happy that she has received the best possible care.”

Recently, Jaelynn had a speech evaluation, though she’s only 2 and a half, she tested at the level of a 3-year-old, despite her added challenges and setback from surgery. Crysta credits a lot of Jaelynn’s development to the care she receives from Cincinnati Children’s.

“They really make it easy on single mothers, like me,” Crysta says. “They are very flexible if I have to make a last minute change with an appointment. We go to five different departments, and they are always so helpful in stacking appointments together when possible.”

Jaelynn’s family is so grateful for their care that they want to give back. This will be the third year the family has participated in Cincinnati Walks for Kids. They walk on team Jae Bear to support the craniofacial department at Cincinnati Children’s.

And Jaelynn is especially excited that this year’s walk will be at the Cincinnati Zoo, one of her favorite places to visit with her mom and friends. They can’t wait to make new friends at this year’s walk, so be sure to say hi if you see Jaelynn and her family on walk day.

Team Jae Bear

For the third year, Jaelynn and her mom, Crysta, will be gathering family and friends to participate on Team Jae Bear at Cincinnati Walks for Kids!

Check back to see walker and team spotlights.