She was happy to be a mother, but when she saw his face, she ran away and left him in the maternity crib.

A rare genetic condition called Treacher-Collins Syndrome can impair breathing, hearing, and vision. However, it has no impact on a person’s intelligence or, more significantly, their ability to experience the hurt of rejection.

The condition impacts the growth of the facial tissues and bones, including the cheekbones, jawbone, ears, eyes, and ears. Treacher Collins, whose facial features often include slanted eyes, little eyelashes, and malformed ears, affects about 1 in 50,000 persons at birth.