When Cristina Vercher and her partner, Blaize Mucha, welcomed their daughter Ayla into the world last December, they immediately noticed something unique. The tiny “smile” on her face looked incredibly sweet — almost like she was posing for her very first photo.
But within minutes, doctors realized the expression wasn’t just a newborn’s grin.
Before she could say her first word, baby Ayla Summer Mucha became known worldwide as her parents began documenting her journey — not for attention, but to help others understand a condition so rare that even many specialists have never seen it.
A Condition Almost No One Has Seen in Person
Soon after birth, doctors told Cristina and Blaize that their daughter had bilateral macrostomia — a rare congenital condition where the corners of the mouth do not completely join during early development.
Cristina, who had never heard the term before, recalled her shock:
“Blaize and I had no idea what macrostomia was. I’d never met anyone with it. It was all so surprising.”
That surprise was shared by hospital staff. A widely referenced medical review from 2007 noted only 14 documented cases worldwide at the time. Even Ayla’s care team at Flinders Medical Centre had never encountered it directly.
The condition didn’t appear on prenatal scans, leaving everyone — including the doctors — unprepared for what they saw during the C-section.
The Overwhelming First Moments
Childbirth alone is emotional. For Cristina, the moment became even heavier:
“A cesarean is overwhelming by itself. When I first saw her, the difference was obvious. We immediately worried.”
Hours passed before she received a clear explanation. During that time, fear and uncertainty settled in.
She couldn’t help but question herself — wondering if she had done something wrong during pregnancy.
Doctors quickly reassured her:
Nothing a parent does causes macrostomia. It is a rare developmental variation, not the result of anything someone did or didn’t do.
What Macrostomia Means for a Baby’s Early Months
The condition affects more than appearance. It can influence:
- Latching
- Feeding ability
- Early muscle development
- Long-term oral function
Most children with macrostomia eventually undergo surgery to help create a natural mouth shape and support feeding and speech.
Cristina shared:
“We know surgery is ahead, and that’s scary for any parent. But we’re hopeful.”
Turning Fear Into Awareness — Through TikTok
Rather than keeping their journey private, Cristina and Blaize chose to share Ayla’s story to help other families who might face rare conditions.
Their TikTok account (@cristinakylievercher) quickly grew to over 118,000 followers, with some videos reaching tens of millions of views.
One clip of Ayla in an adorable floral outfit alone surpassed 47 million views, drawing an outpouring of love:
- “She’s so beautiful!”
- “Please share more, I’m learning so much.”
- “Only a handful of cases in the world? She’s truly special.”
People from around the globe began cheering for Ayla’s journey.
Facing Negativity — and Rising Above It
As with many viral stories, not every comment has been kind. But thousands of viewers consistently step in to support the family and remind others to lead with compassion.
Cristina says the positive far outweighs the negative:
“I’ve connected with so many mothers going through similar journeys. Sharing this has helped not just us, but others too.”
She hopes their openness teaches people to respond to differences with empathy:
“Anyone can face unexpected challenges. I hope people will show the same kindness they’d want for their own child.”
A Small Girl Making a Big Difference
What began with uncertainty in a hospital room has turned into a global community rallying around a joyful little girl.
Ayla’s parents continue to document her growth, her milestones, and her bright spirit — not for attention, but because every story like hers helps families feel less alone.
Their message is simple and powerful:
Differences aren’t something to fear — they are something to understand.
