Ezekiel was born to a teenage mother whose family faced socioeconomic struggles including overcrowding, poor housing conditions, and a lack of access to basic needs. While his biological mother and grandmother tried to care for him, they lacked the resources and knowledge to meet his specific needs. When Ezekiel was just two months old, health workers noticed he was receiving improper nutrition, such as being fed gelatin from a bottle, and he was taken into care.
Ezekiel primary diagnoses include a genetic condition called Mosaic 1q21.1q22 duplication syndrome, microcephaly, and congenital hypotonia. He also has vision conditions, including optic atrophy and right convergent strabismus (a turned eye). A significant part of Ezekiel’s daily care revolves around his feeding. He has an infantile feeding and swallowing disorder. Because he cannot safely tolerate solid foods, he requires a specialized liquid and purée diet. He needs to eat while sitting at a 90-degree angle, offering thick textures and liquids from a spoon to protect his airway. Despite these challenges, his nutritional status is currently stable. He maintains a healthy weight for his height. He takes a daily iron supplement and actively participates in physical, occupational, and speech therapies. He will need ongoing care from a team of specialists, including genetics, gastroenterology, neuropediatrics, and ophthalmology.
Because of his genetic condition and low muscle tone, Ezekiel experiences significant global developmental delays. Although he is 18 months old chronologically, his developmental milestones currently align with those of a 5- to 6-month-old infant. He requires constant supervision and full support for all daily activities. His motor skills are slowly progressing with the help of his physical therapies, but his hypotonia affects his ability to move independently. His communication is primarily non-verbal, relying on expressions and sounds to connect with his caregivers. With consistent therapy and a structured environment, Ezekiel continues to show steady, beautiful progress at his own pace.
Ezekiel has a remarkably calm, happy, and gentle temperament. In his current foster home, he has formed strong, secure emotional bonds. He finds true refuge, acceptance, and security in the presence of the people who care for him. He manages his emotions well when he feels safe. Ezekiel thrives on physical affection and gentle reassurance. He shows a wonderful sense of confidence and relaxation when his trusted caregivers are nearby. He is an exploratory and willing child who embraces the world around him as long as he feels emotionally supported.
Ezekiel is a delightful little boy who finds joy in the simple things. He loves discovering his own body and spends time happily playing with his hands and feet. He enjoys it when adults and other children play with him, and he loves hearing the familiar voices of his foster family. He is a big fan of animal sounds and enjoys watching colorful shows like Paw Patrol, La Granja de Zenón, and La Vaca Lola. He also loves listening to children’s music. Mornings are a special time for Ezekiel because he absolutely loves taking baths, followed by relaxing gentle massages. He also enjoys going out, looking through car windows, and visiting cool, air-conditioned places like the grocery store.
When it comes to his special diet, Ezekiel has a great appetite! His absolute favorite meals are smooth purées made from beans, spinach, or arracacha mixed with chicken. For a sweet treat, he loves natural fruit compotes made from mango, banana, and apple.
Ezekiel needs a family that can embrace his medical routine while celebrating his beautiful spirit.
