Aside from Apert syndrome, Brycen also has a cleft palate, severe respiratory problems and holes in the valves of his heart. In addition to regular scheduled trips to the doctor and countless emergency room visits, Bycen has been taken by helicopter to ChildrenÕs Hospital in St. Louis, Mo., for treatment three times since birth and has been hospitalized with pneumonia and respiratory syncytial virus six times. He faces at least seven surgeries before age 14, and most need to be done before he turns 5.