Welcoming your first child into the world is a life-changing experience. For Sara Heller and Chris Eidam, the arrival of their son Brody brought both relief and worry. At 24 weeks pregnant, an ultrasound showed that Brody had a severe lip and cleft palate. Despite being told that there were only 9 cases like Brody’s in the world and given the option to terminate the pregnancy, Sara and Chris were determined to have their baby and change the way people look at children with lip and cleft palates.

Brody’s condition required extra care, and his parents couldn’t afford the operation. Still, they were determined to change people’s perceptions of lip and cleft palates. They received insensitive comments on Instagram about Brody’s appearance, but Sara chose to educate rather than create a confrontation. She wants Brody to be an advocate for younger cleft kids who don’t have their own voice yet.

One evening, while out for dinner, Sara received an unexpected and generous gift. A server had left a folded check for USD $1,000 on the table with a note that read, “For your beautiful baby.” The gift helped Sara and Chris pay for some of Brody’s healthcare costs and surgeries needed to correct his condition.

Thanks to skilled doctors and surgeons, Brody is healing well, and he has more operations ahead of him. With such loving and wise parents, he will go a long way. The gesture of a stranger made a big difference to this family, who needs all the support they can get. Brody’s story is an example of generosity and kindness, and it reminds us that all children deserve love, respect, and the best chance in life, no matter what they look like.