Little Boy Who Can't Smile: Rare Condition Left His Face Paralyzed (PHOTOS)

U.S. -- A one-year-old whose face is paralyzed due to an extremely rare neurological condition is set to undergo groundbreaking surgery that will see him smile for the first time.
Preston Tassi from Iowa, is one of several thousand people worldwide who suffers from Moebius Syndrome, which means he cannot blink, look side-to-side or move his mouth. However, doctors say that they are planning to treat his debilitating symptoms through a special procedure that will insert nerve and muscle tissue from his inner thigh into the jaw area.

Preston's parents are now desperately trying to raise the $100,000 needed for the operation, often referred to as smile or reanimation surgery, which will take place when he turns five.

Sarah Tassi said she and her husband, Jason first realized something was wrong shortly after Preston's birth on May 18, 2012. While ultrasounds had not detected anything unusual, they were surprised to see that he only had one finger on his right hand. Nurses were also concerned that he was breathing oddly and his eyes stayed wide open while he cried.



After doctors assessed the newborn's condition, Mr and Mrs Tassi were called in to meet with a neurologist. An MRI scan confirmed that Preston had Moebius Syndrome. The incurable birth disorder prevents the cranial nerves around the brain from developing, resulting in an inability to move the eyes and face. In some cases it also impacts hearing. Other indicators include clubbed feet, missing digits and breathing difficulties. It is thought to affect roughly two to 20 births in every one million and a 2007 study identified 2,000 cases globally.

Since birth, Preston has been going to weekly physical therapy sessions, but to restore control of his lips and tongue surgical intervention will be needed. Mrs Tassi says that at the moment he is unable to eat unaided.

'As we feed him we have to hold his cheeks in,' she explained. On the flip side Preston's motor skills are on track with other children his age and he is almost ready to walk. In a bid to raise the thousands of dollars needed for surgery the Tassis have moved back in with their parents and set up a website.

Dr Nate Noble, Preston's doctor at Blank Children's Hospital, says his case will help professionals to better understand Moebius syndrome.

Despite the challenges they have faced as new parents, Mr Tassi added: 'We just feel blessed to have him in our lives. Every second of it.'