‘There is no cure’: Mum's emotional update on baby Alba rescued from Ukraine

The Melbourne parents have shared a recent diagnosis for their daughter who was born premature via surrogate days before war broke out.

The parents of little Alba, who was born via surrogate in Ukraine days before the Russian invasion, have shared an emotional update about their daughter's health. 

The now 17-month-old is a happy, bright toddler who is thriving in many ways, but has recently been given the diagnosis of the incurable condition, Cerebral palsy. 

Alba was born 10 weeks early in Ukraine two days before war broke out in February 2022.

Her Melbourne parents, Jessica Van Nooten and Kevin Middleton, rushed to be by her side, but had an excruciating time reaching her, and it was months before Alba was healthy enough to travel home.

The couple, who had been trying to have a baby for eight years, were finally able to settle into family life in Australia with their new daughter in June last year. 

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Alba as a newborn, and as a toddler with mum. Source: Instagram.

"She's not yet crawling"

The couple documented their heartbreaking journey amid the chaos of war, and Alba's return home, on the Instagram page Bring Alba home.

Since then, the page has been used to share Alba's growth, health and milestones.

One of their latest posts has been about their daughter’s new diagnosis, which wasn’t totally unexpected, but emotional all the same.

Her parents explained that Alba is now 17 months old (14 months corrected) and “loves chatting, shaking her head saying no and playing peek a boo”.

“Alba is a little different to other 14 month olds. She’s not yet crawling, or walking and has just learned to sit and roll and can stand,” her parents stated.

“She also is working very hard on being on all fours. She was born before she was supposed to so she will always do things on her own schedule.

“Something we haven’t shared on here but feel we are ready to now is that Alba has been diagnosed with Cerebral palsy.”

RELATED: Melbourne parents finally home with baby Alba born in Ukraine

Alba has grown into a happy toddler, after a dramatic early birth and rescue from war-torn Ukraine. Source: Instagram.

"Alba will prove everyone wrong"

Cerebral palsy is a congenital disorder that affects a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture.

A number of studies have found that being born prematurely is a major risk factor for Cerebral palsy. The risk is especially high for babies born earlier than 32 weeks.

"It's due to abnormal brain development or brain injury before or in our case often after birth. It presents in all children differently. There is no cure,” Alba's parents wrote.

“Given Alba’s brain bleed at birth, her muscle tone and her limited use of her left hand and arm she ticks the boxes,” the update read.

But Jessica and Kevin are adamant their daughter will break the mould.

“Her legs are so strong and she will walk. Whilst there is no cure- what we do in her early years known as early intervention can help her so much,” they said.

“We have no doubt Alba will prove everyone wrong. She has already.”

The family do more than three hours of therapy a week, as well as home therapy.

“She has so much to teach us and she is as determined as we are to give her every opportunity,” they said.

The thankful parents also shared their gratitude about being in Australia, where they are able to get support from the National Disability Insurance Agency.

“To all the parents with children with additional needs - this road is tough but love conquers all. Another club we didn’t think we would be a part of but one we will always advocate for."

Kevin Middleton and Jessica Van Nooten with their daughter Alba. Source: Instagram.

Originally published as ‘There is no cure’: Mum's emotional update on baby Alba rescued from Ukraine