Cristina Vercher and Blaize Mucha, a young couple from Adelaide, South Australia, anticipated the arrival of their daughter, Ayla Summer, with joy and hope. Cristina’s pregnancy had seemed perfectly healthy—ultrasounds were normal, and doctors were reassuring. But when Ayla was born in December 2021, something unexpected appeared: Ayla had a wide, motionless smile. Her parents and the medical team were surprised and confused. Ultrasound scans had shown no sign of any anomaly.
Doctors eventually diagnosed Ayla with bilateral macrostomia, a very rare condition in which the corners of the mouth do not fuse properly while forming in the womb. In Ayla’s case, this gives her a permanent smile. Only about 14 cases of bilateral macrostomia have been documented globally, making Ayla’s case extremely unusual.
Initially, Cristina wondered if she had done something wrong during her pregnancy. She questioned whether her choices or actions had contributed to the condition. After genetic testing and consultations, medical professionals reassured her and Blaize that nothing they had done caused Ayla’s condition—it was simply a rare developmental occurrence beyond anyone’s control.
The condition also came with functional challenges. Early on, feeding difficulties—particularly latching and suckling—were concerns. Medical advice indicated that surgery would very likely be needed later to close the mouth’s corners, restore more typical structure, and allow normal functionality.
Rather than shying away, Cristina and Blaize decided to share Ayla’s life openly. They documented her birth, her early days in neonatal care, her recovery, and her permanent smile on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Their posts have attracted widespread support, as well as some criticism. Ayla’s authenticity and radiant smile have captivated many, turning what might once have been seen as a burden into a celebrated difference.
Through openness and love, the couple want people to learn about bilateral macrostomia, to understand that differences need not be hidden and that love and joy can flourish despite unexpected challenges
