The Benefit Beat
Community Steps Up for Child with Rare Syndrome
Eight-month-old Mary Cate Lynch has a rough road ahead as one of only 25 U.S. children born with Apert Syndrome each year. Her parents are spreading the word about Apert—while everyone shares their love for the little girl.
Fresh from her midday nap, 8-month-old Mary Cate Lynch bounces happily on her mother Kerry's lap. She giggles and reaches for ruffles on her shirt, and peeks at the stranger on the couch next to her. To Mary Cate, life is as simple as the woman holding her, kissing her cheek and stroking her hair. Her innocence is bliss for Beverly resident Lynch and husband Chris. Mary Cate, born with the rare craniofacial syndrome Apert Syndrome, has a long—likely painful—journey ahead of her. She is one of 25 children born with Apert each year in the United States. The disease is visible in malformations of the skull, face, hands and feet. From now until the age of 20, "MC" will face up to 60 corrective surgeries and numerous therapies, some of which …
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