Uno – A Journey to Overcome VACTERL Syndrome
Age: 4 years old
Uno's Story
Baby Uno, a 4-year-old Karen boy born on April 27, 2020, in Myanmar, was born with VACTERL Association Syndrome — a rare condition affecting multiple body systems. He was born without an anus, with an improperly functioning bowel and bladder, a missing kidney, heart on the right side of his chest, and a hole between upper heart chambers.
Diagnosis & Condition
VACTERL Association Syndrome — presenting with:
Born without an anus (imperforate anus)
Improperly functioning bowel and bladder
Missing kidney (single kidney)
Heart on right side of chest (dextrocardia)
Hole between upper heart chambers (atrial septal defect)
Treatment Plan
Transverse Loop Colostomy — emergency surgery at birth (April 2020, Myanmar)
Emergency stoma infection treatment at Mission Hospital Bangkok (May 2020)
12-hour surgery to construct anus at Siriraj Hospital (September 2020)
Surgery to connect colon to reconstructed anus (November 2021)
Medical Journey
April 2020: Born in Myanmar with VACTERL Syndrome, undergoes first emergency surgery — a Transverse Loop Colostomy — to correct bowel function.
May 2020: Family relocates to Thailand. Uno brought to Mission Hospital Bangkok for emergency treatment of infected stoma. Life-saving surgery performed with assistance from Catharine Riley-Bryan of Bamboo School.
September 2020: Undergoes 12-hour surgery at Siriraj Hospital to construct an anus. Successful but requires ongoing rehabilitation for proper bowel function.
April 2021: Almost one year old, demonstrates significant development. Can stand and walk independently. Scheduled for major surgery to connect colon to reconstructed anus.
November 2021: Third surgery connects colon to newly constructed anus. Surgery successful; bowel function begins normalizing. Continued monitoring of heart and kidney required.
February 2022: Thriving at Bamboo School. Heart condition improving; only kidney functioning well. Described as lively toddler with energy and joy.
May 2022: BWCCF observes vast improvements. Normal defecation achieved. Small heart hole has closed. Potty training progressing; living happy, active life.
August 2022: Now 2 years and 3 months old. Normal bowel movements; heart condition resolved without complications. Requires ongoing nephrologist monitoring.
March 2023: Continues growing and developing well. Kidney function closely monitored with no complications reported. Bright, happy child enjoying interaction with peers at Bamboo School.
July 2023: Starts early learning classes at Bamboo School. Teachers report eagerness to learn and good social interaction. Health continues improving; participates in more activities.
January 2024: Follow-up examination shows progress pleasing doctors. Stable kidney function; heart condition no longer requires immediate intervention.
Progress Updates
Excellent Medical Progress — Doctors Pleased
Follow-up examination shows progress that pleased the doctors. Kidney function remains stable and heart condition no longer requires intervention.
Started Early Learning Classes
Uno has started early learning classes at Bamboo School! Teachers report his eagerness to learn and good social interaction.
Growing Well — No Complications
Continues growing and developing well. Kidney function closely monitored with no complications reported.
Heart Condition Fully Resolved
Normal bowel movements and heart condition resolved without complications. Requires ongoing nephrologist monitoring for his single kidney.
Heart Hole Closed — Normal Bowel Function Achieved
Normal defecation has been achieved! The small heart hole has closed naturally. Potty training is progressing well.
Thriving at Bamboo School — Heart Improving
Uno is thriving at the Bamboo School. Heart condition is improving and his only kidney is functioning well.
Third Surgery — Colon Connected Successfully
Third surgery successfully connected the colon to the newly constructed anus. Bowel function began normalizing.
Major Milestone — Walking Independently
Almost one year old, Uno demonstrated significant development. He can now stand and walk independently!
12-Hour Surgery to Construct Anus at Siriraj Hospital
Uno underwent a 12-hour surgery at Siriraj Hospital to construct an anus. The surgery was successful, though ongoing rehabilitation was needed.
Emergency Stoma Treatment at Mission Hospital
Family relocated to Thailand. Uno was brought to Mission Hospital Bangkok for emergency treatment of an infected stoma. Life-saving surgery was performed.
Born with VACTERL Syndrome — Emergency Surgery
Baby Uno was born in Myanmar with VACTERL Association Syndrome. He underwent his first emergency surgery — a Transverse Loop Colostomy — to correct bowel function.
The Difference You Made
Uno is now thriving — growing, learning, and playing like any other child his age. His case stands as one of the foundation's greatest success stories, demonstrating what is possible when comprehensive medical care is made accessible to children who need it most.
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