When Juliana Wetmore was born in 2003, her parents were struck by an unimaginable reality. Their baby girl, Juliana, had no face. She was born with a severe congenital condition known as Treacher Collins Syndrome. This rare disorder causes the bones in the face to be underdeveloped.
Her mother, Tami Wetmore, remembers the traumatic moment vividly. “Where is my baby? Where is her face?” she recalled in disbelief. Her newborn daughter’s face was absent of eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. It was a nightmare no parent could ever prepare for.
The doctors immediately told Tami and her husband, Thom, that the situation was grim. Juliana had only a slim chance of survival, and her life expectancy was uncertain. With 40% of her facial bones missing, she faced immense physical challenges.
Tami and Thom, however, made a decision to fight for their daughter’s survival. They chose to focus on the hope that Juliana could live, no matter the physical challenges she would face. This was not just about survival—it was about finding a way to give her a future.
In the early days, Juliana’s life was touch-and-go. Doctors didn’t know if she would be able to breathe on her own or eat. Her parents struggled daily with the uncertainty of her survival.
As the weeks went by, Juliana began to show signs of resilience. She was placed on a ventilator and had feeding tubes inserted into her body. Despite these medical interventions, her tiny body fought to survive.
By the time she was a few months old, Juliana had undergone her first surgery. It was just the beginning of what would become a lifelong series of surgeries to improve her condition. Each procedure was a major hurdle, but Juliana faced it with courage.
Despite her challenges, Juliana managed to reach many milestones. By the age of two, she began to learn sign language to communicate with her family. She couldn’t speak, but she made sure to find ways to express herself.
Her parents, Tami and Thom, did everything they could to give her a sense of normalcy. They enrolled her in a special school where she learned alongside other children. Juliana may not have had a face, but her mind and spirit were thriving.
Throughout this journey, the Wetmore family never gave up. They faced financial and emotional hardships, but their determination kept them going. They knew that giving up was never an option for Juliana.
In 2010, after years of surgeries and recovery, Juliana began to develop a unique sense of identity. She was no longer just the girl born without a face; she was Juliana, a strong, resilient, and hopeful little girl.
Her smile, though different, became her most powerful expression. It was a smile that conveyed the strength and joy she found in every day. Her parents beamed with pride at how far she had come.
But the struggles weren’t over. Juliana’s physical condition continued to require complex medical care. She had to undergo skin grafts and surgeries to reconstruct her facial structure. Each surgery was a challenge, but Juliana never wavered.
Her doctors were amazed at how well she responded to the surgeries. Juliana’s progress was slow, but it was steady. She continued to defy the medical odds. It became clear to her doctors that Juliana’s will to live was stronger than anyone could have imagined.
In 2014, after 45 surgeries, Juliana’s parents decided to share her story with the world. They wanted to show people that despite her severe condition, Juliana could still have a full and meaningful life. Her story was not just one of survival—it was one of hope.
By this time, Juliana had learned to communicate more easily with her family and friends. She was able to speak with the help of sign language, but still, eating remained a challenge. She was fed through a tube and could not eat solid food.
However, Juliana’s parents did everything possible to make her feel as normal as possible. They encouraged her to engage in activities she loved. Juliana enjoyed drawing and coloring, which helped her express herself creatively.
At the age of 12, Juliana’s life changed when she heard about a girl named Danica. Danica, also born with Treacher Collins Syndrome, was facing similar challenges. Inspired by her story, Juliana’s parents decided to adopt Danica.
The Wetmore family’s decision to adopt Danica showed their compassion. They didn’t just want to help their daughter, Juliana; they wanted to help others facing similar struggles. Danica and Juliana quickly formed a special bond.
The two girls, though facing their own challenges, supported one another. They spent their days together, drawing, playing, and talking. It was clear that their connection was something truly unique.
In addition to Danica, the Wetmore family adopted three more children over the years. They didn’t have a perfect family, but they had a loving and supportive one. Despite the challenges, they created a home filled with laughter, joy, and unconditional love.
Juliana’s progress continued, albeit slowly. Her surgeries were still frequent, and her recovery was never quick. Yet, she remained positive and hopeful. Her smile was a constant reminder of her strength.
As Juliana grew older, she faced even more complex surgeries. The doctors were able to help reconstruct her facial bones, though she would never look like other children. But Juliana didn’t mind. She was comfortable in her own skin, literally and figuratively.
In 2015, Juliana made a public appearance to speak about her journey. She wanted to raise awareness about Treacher Collins Syndrome and the challenges that children with this condition face. She spoke with confidence and grace, proving that she was more than just her condition.
The Wetmore family’s journey has been a long and difficult one. But through it all, they remained united in their love and support for Juliana. They never gave up, even when the odds seemed insurmountable.
Juliana’s life continues to inspire others. She is proof that no matter the obstacles, a person’s spirit can survive and thrive. Her story has given hope to countless families facing similar challenges.
Today, Juliana is not just surviving—she is living. She has a future filled with endless possibilities, thanks to the determination of her parents and her own strength. She continues to inspire everyone who learns about her journey.
Juliana’s parents, Tami and Thom, are incredibly proud of her. They know that their daughter has fought an extraordinary battle, one that most people would never even dream of. Yet, through it all, she remained kind, loving, and full of joy.
Her story is one of triumph over adversity, and it reminds us that no matter the challenges we face, we are capable of overcoming them. Juliana Wetmore has shown the world what it means to be truly resilient.