Customized Care for Every Child

From cleft lip to rare genetic disorders, the Craniofacial Center at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland treats every child with exceptional care and compassion. Easton and Kayah are two of these inspiring young patients.

Born with a skull abnormality, Easton was immediately referred to Bryant Toth, MD, director of the Craniofacial Center. He was diagnosed with craniosynostosis, a rare condition in which skull bones fuse before the brain is fully formed. If left untreated, it can limit brain growth and result in a permanently misshapen head.

Meeting the renowned surgeon, Easton’s parents Danielle and Eddie were immediately set at ease. Toth knew exactly how to proceed and had full confidence in a complete recovery.

Now fully healed, 9-month-old Easton enjoys playing with his older brothers, learning how to crawl, and babbling constantly. “It’s wonderful to see his sweet and strong personality coming out,” Danielle says. “This has not even been a setback for him. It’s just a little bump in the road.”

Before Kayah was born, an ultrasound detected an unusual growth around her head. Even so, the Children’s Hospital Oakland medical team was shocked when she was born, three months early, with two malignant tumors so large they obscured her face, neck and throat and accounted for half of her four-pound body weight.

What followed was a series of extended hospital stays, complex surgeries, doctor’s visits and specialized therapies. Despite the health challenges she still faces, Kayah, now 27, radiates good cheer and good will.

“Kayah is a beloved patient of mine,” shares Dr. Toth. “I get to continue to follow her because of the graciousness and love of the hospital. Even though she’s now over 21, she still comes to see me on a regular basis. She has been a volunteer at Children’s and she’s a joy.”

From the first days of life to early adulthood, our Craniofacial team helps patients cope, heal and shine.