Baby born with rare genetic disorder undergoes eight surgeries in 18 months

At 18 months old, baby Luca has endured more than most people will in their lifetime.

Australian parents Ashleigh and Cody welcomed their little boy at just 33 weeks – six weeks earlier than expected – and nothing could have prepared them for what would ensue in the following 11 months.

Luca, who was born on Nov. 9, the day after his mum’s baby shower, entered the world with CHARGE syndrome, a genetic condition that affects the heart, nerves, genitalia, eyes and ears.