Gavin: Our Little Boy With Facial Cysts

A COUPLE say their baby born with lymphatic malformation is their ‘little warrior’. Eighteen-month old Gavin Silvestri was born with abnormal growth of cysts within the head and neck area. Parents Victoria Silvestri and Joseph Silvestri say this condition is so rare it happens in only one in every 4000 births. They are documenting Gavin’s story and sharing it on social media to help other parents who may be going through something similar. The pair first discovered Gavin was going to be born different at the eighteen-week anatomy scan. They attended the hospital to find out the sex of their baby, but couple knew something was unusual when the ultrasound technician went to get a doctor. Gavin remained in hospital for seven months after he was born. The couple were concerned about what the quality of life of their new child would be like. Victoria and Joseph admit people sometimes stare at Gavin, but they ignore it but welcome people to talk about his condition. They are passionate about sharing Gavin’s story to raise awareness of lymphatic malformation. Since sharing their family’s story on social media, the couple say that many doors have opened to them. Parents of other children with lymphatic malformation from around the world have contacted the couple asking for help and advice.