My name is Quentin Zaengle and I am 14 years old. When my mom and dad were expecting me, they didn’t know I had Apert Syndrome. My mom had a few ultra-sounds because they thought my head looked different but the more ultra-sounds that were done; the more the doctors thought everything was ok. After being in labor for over 24 hours, my mom was told she needed to have a c-section. When I was born the OB/GYN that delivered me specialized in genetics and knew right away I had Apert Syndrome. I was born the night of March 1, 1993.

That night I was rushed to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia where I spent two weeks being evaluated by a team of doctors. I had my first forehead advancement surgery when I was 5 months old. I had several surgeries on my hands when I was between one and two years old. When I was 1 1/2, I had a spinal fusion surgery because I had Kyphosis. I spent 9 months in a full body brace. I had many minor surgeries after that. My next forehead surgery was an emergency two weeks before Christmas when I was in 1st grade. Luckily, I came home Christmas Eve just in time for Christmas. My one and only mid-face surgery was the summer going in second grade where Dr. Bartlett inserted internal distracters and my parents turned them with a key. My parents took pictures of me every day since my profile changed with each turn. I’ve had surgeries after that but only minor ones.

I attended Gwyn Nor Elementary School where I was mainstreamed with all my classmates. I then went to middle school where I am mainstreamed for all the minors – my majors are taken in learning support. I have always liked school and I especially like middle school. When I graduate I want to go to college to be an historian. I like reading history facts about countries, kings and queens. I also like reading biographies and learning about people in history. When I am older, I want to travel to other countries.

In my spare time, I read a lot of history books and Google history dates. I really like to play computer games. I like to visit museums. I play soccer, baseball and I like to play kickball outside with the neighborhood kids. I am a Boy Scout. I recently earned my Tenderfoot rank. I also like camping with the Boy Scouts. I especially like to just be with my family and do fun things with my mom, dad and two sisters (Annalise is 13 and Lea is 10).