Teen with rare condition travels to CHOP for life-changing care

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Shaikha Salem traveled across the globe seeking help after undergoing dozens of surgeries to treat Goldenhar syndrome - a rare congenital condition that causes facial asymmetry and kidney complications.

She had difficulty chewing food and some airway compromise, meaning trouble breathing, doctors said.

That changed with the help of Dr. Jesse Taylor at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

While Goldenhar syndrome is rare, Dr. Taylor says they perform several surgeries like this at CHOP year-round.

Through CHOP's Craniofacial Program, the 17-year-old underwent major jaw reconstruction and airway surgeries. The life-changing procedures now allow her to breathe, eat and speak more easily.

Dr. Taylor says the biggest challenge was trying to correct some of what was done in prior surgeries.

"By the time I had met her, she had had 24 operations. I would say the challenges we faced were perhaps 50/50, the golden heart, and what other surgeons had done," said Taylor.