What Looked Like a Newborn’s Sweet Smile Turned Into a Diagnosis No One Saw Coming
When Cristina Vercher and her partner, Blaize Mucha, welcomed their daughter Ayla in December, they thought the tiny upturned corners of her mouth were nothing more than an adorable newborn smile.
But within moments, doctors realized something much more unusual was happening.
Before she could even babble her first word, Ayla Summer Mucha became a viral TikTok sensation, as her parents began sharing their journey to raise awareness about her rare condition, one that gives her the appearance of a “permanent smile.”
A Rare Diagnosis Almost No One Has Seen Before
Shortly after Ayla’s birth, Cristina and Blaize were told their daughter had bilateral macrostomia, an extremely rare congenital condition where the corners of the mouth do not fully fuse during early fetal development.
Cristina, 21, from South Australia, told Jam Press that she had never even heard of the condition:
“Blaize and I had no idea what macrostomia was. I had never met anyone born with it. It was shocking.”
The condition is so uncommon that a 2007 review published in the Cleft Palate, Craniofacial Journal reported only 14 documented cases at the time. Even Ayla’s medical team at Flinders Medical Centre had never encountered it.
Adding to the surprise, the condition did not appear on prenatal ultrasounds, leaving everyone — including the doctors — stunned after the C-section.
The Emotional Shock No New Parent Prepares For
Already overwhelmed by the experience of childbirth, Cristina recalls being hit with fear and confusion:
“A cesarean is overwhelming as it is. When I first saw her, the difference was obvious. We were immediately concerned.”
What made the moment even harder was the delay in receiving answers. Cristina said hours passed before a doctor explained the condition, a silence that only deepened their anxiety.
She questioned herself endlessly, wondering if she had done something wrong during pregnancy.
But specialists reassured the couple that macrostomia is not caused by anything a parent does — it is simply a rare developmental anomaly.
More Than Appearance — How Macrostomia Affects a Baby’s First Months
Macrostomia is not just cosmetic. The condition can affect:
Latching
Feeding
Sucking strength
Future facial function
Most babies with macrostomia undergo surgery to improve oral function and create a natural mouth shape. The couple is still awaiting detailed plans but knows the operation will require delicate tissue closure with minimal scarring.
Cristina admitted:
“As a couple, the challenges after surgery are concerning. But we’re staying hopeful.”
Turning Awareness Into Community Support Through TikTok
Instead of hiding their fear, Cristina and Blaize chose a different path — they opened a TikTok account (@cristinakylievercher) to share Ayla’s journey and educate others about the condition.
Today, their account has over 118,000 followers, and some videos featuring Ayla’s cheerful personality have reached tens of millions of views.
One clip showing Ayla dressed in a tiny floral outfit has reached over 47 million views, with thousands of people leaving messages of love, encouragement, and curiosity.
Comments poured in:
“She’s so cute! These videos make my day.”
“Please share more about her condition — she is beautiful.”
“Only 14 cases reported? She is truly unique. Be proud, mama!”
Facing Cruel Comments, and Overcoming Them With Strength
Not everyone online is kind, and the family has dealt with insensitive comments as well. But countless users rush to defend Ayla, praising the family’s courage and reminding them that compassion matters.
Cristina hopes their story inspires people to treat all children, and all differences, with empathy:
“Anyone can face unexpected challenges. You hope people would show your child the same kindness.”
Despite the negativity, she says the support has been overwhelmingly positive.
“I’ve spoken to so many mothers going through similar experiences. We’re proud to keep sharing our journey and our favorite memories with Ayla.”
A Little Girl With a Big Impact
What began as a frightening moment in a hospital has become a global community of parents, supporters, and people who simply fell in love with Ayla’s joyful spirit.
Her parents’ message is simple yet powerful: Differences deserve to be understood — not feared.
And thanks to their openness, thousands of families now feel less alone.
