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WELCOME TO JACOB'S STORY
This website is dedicated in memory of our little angel Jacob, a child born with VATER Association. We have learned that God sends us special children to tell a story and touch our hearts. Jacob's story is one of strength, love, and inspiration. Ever since birth he enjoyed every minute of life despite his many obstacles, living his life as happy and normally as possible. This site will give you information about his condition and let you get to know more about our beautiful angel. Take a look around and please leave a comment or sign the guestbook before you leave.
What is VATER association?
VATER or VACTERL association is an acronym used to describe a series of characteristics which have been found to occur together. V stands for vertebrae, which are the bones of the spinal column. A stands for imperforate anus or anal atresia, or an anus that does not open to the outside of the body. TE stands for tracheoesophageal fistula, which is a persistent connection between the trachea (the windpipe) and the esophagus (the feeding tube). R stands for renal or kidney anomalies and radial or arm anomalies. C is added to the acronym to denote cardiac anomalies, and L is often added to stand for limb anomalies. Babies who have been diagnosed as having VATER association usually have at least three or more of these individual anomalies. There is a wide range of manifestation of VATER association so that the exact incidence within the population is not exactly known.
V: Vertebral dysgenesis
A: Anal atresia
C: Cardiac anomalies
T-E: Fistula +/- esophageal atresia
R: Renal or Radius anomalies
L: Limb anomalies
A person with more than two problems in any combination may be recognized as fitting in the VATER Association. However, VATER Association is not a diagnosis. There is no one cause for the association of these problems in individuals. (Google Search on VACTERL/VATER)
