A Prince George family’s life has changed dramatically ever since their newborn son was diagnosed with an extremely rare skin condition.
Shea Fell was born a healthy nine pounds, but the skin on his legs and hands was missing.
He was airlifted to Children’s Hospital the next day, where doctors diagnosed him with a genetic condition called Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa.
Shea has the most severe form, affecting 1 in 2.5 million people.
There is no cure.
His disorder leaves his skin prone to severe blisters and bleeding.
His little hands and right leg have been bandaged since birth, and likely will be for the rest of his life.
Any friction causes blisters on his skin.
Doctors also worry they’re inside his lungs and intestines.
“We watch him every day and it is just so hard to watch a baby be helpless and there is nothing we can do to make it better,” says Shea’s mother Christy.
Shea will need to wear a protective layer for life and be surrounded by a team of specialists.
The Fells say they are overwhelmed by the care and support they’ve received, especially this week when the family received a difficult prognosis.
“We were told that he likely has three years,” says Shea’s mother.
Their hope is to make Shea as comfortable as possible and raise awareness about the challenges he faces, so that one day a cure can be found.
Fore more on how to help Baby Shea and his family, go here.
Comments