Just hours after facing a hurtful comment online about her son’s cleft palate, a random act of kindness from a stranger renewed Samantha Richards’ faith in humanity. During her 24-week ultrasound, Samantha discovered that her son, Leo, was going to be born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate. Instead of viewing this as a challenge, the 26-year-old mother saw it as a chance to create awareness. Together with her partner, Jake Thompson, they decided to share their son’s journey on social media, aiming to shift the narrative surrounding cleft conditions.
“We want to celebrate our baby no matter what,” Samantha shared with Today. “We hope to change how ultrasound and newborn photos look on social media while raising awareness about cleft lips and palates.” Leo is fortunate to have such supportive parents. However, the world isn’t always kind.
It’s hard to believe that anyone would mock a baby for a genetic condition beyond their control, yet the internet can be a harsh place. Just before New Year’s Eve, a comment on Samantha’s Instagram struck her hard: “What’s wrong with his face?” Although she had anticipated some negativity, the bluntness of the comment left her reeling. “I wasn’t ready to defend why my 3-month-old looks ‘different’,” she admitted. Choosing to respond with grace, she aimed to educate rather than confront. “I want Leo to grow up advocating for himself and others like him,” she said.
Still feeling the sting of that unkind remark, Samantha went out for dinner with friends, hoping to shake off the negativity. That’s when a beautifully timed gesture reminded her of the goodness in people. A server approached her with a folded napkin, which she initially thought was a simple note. Instead, it contained a check for $1,000, with the memo reading, “For the beautiful baby.” Samantha was overwhelmed with emotion. “Tears filled my eyes; the joy in my heart was indescribable,” she recalled. The couple used the generous donation to assist with Leo’s medical expenses, including his recent lip surgery. Samantha shared with Make A Mom that Leo is recovering well, saying, “We’re back to training him with a bottle, and we’re hopeful for progress.”
As Leo faces his first-year challenges, including common ear infections linked to cleft palates, Samantha remains optimistic. “He has only had one infection, and we’re celebrating that. It’s a small victory.” Leo will need additional surgeries as he grows, but Samantha is ready for the journey ahead. “We’re prepared for three to eight more surgeries depending on his development,” she noted.
This experience has revealed the kindness still present in the world. “I shared my gratitude on Facebook, not expecting it to gain so much attention,” Samantha said. “The response has transformed from celebrating the gift to advocating for Leo and others like him. Everything seems to happen for a reason, and since that incident, we’ve only received positive comments.”
Even if you can’t offer a grand gift, remember the power of kind words. A simple compliment might be just what someone needs at the right moment. For more on the journey of home insemination and parenting, check out our other blog posts like this one discussing tips and insights. If you’re interested in enhancing fertility, visit this resource for valuable information. Additionally, the UCSF Center offers excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary:
Samantha Richards, who learned her son Leo would be born with a cleft palate, faced a hurtful comment online but was uplifted by a stranger’s generous gift. The act of kindness not only helped with medical expenses but also inspired her to advocate for awareness about cleft conditions. Despite challenges, Samantha and Leo’s journey highlights the importance of positivity and community support.