16-month old Ayla was diagnosed with Pompe disease when she was still in her mother’s womb. Pompe disease is a rare and deadly genetic disorder that results in heart and muscle defects. As Pompe disease has a high mortality rate, researchers and doctors were hoping that the novel treatment option of in utero surgey was viable. In utero treatment allows for the symptoms of a genetic disorder to be alleivated before a baby is born. Therefore, this video follows Ayla’s story and how she taught the world that we could save lives even before birth.

This video was made by McMaster University students Vicky Chau, Chrisann Eaton, Megan Gallagher, and Jujhar Jhajj in collaboration with the Demystifying Medicine McMaster Program.

This video is for general and educational purposes only. Copyright McMaster University 2023.

References:

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