Faith

‘The Right Choice’: Mother’s Video Show the Trials and Blessing of Having Son With Deformed Face

Posted on May 10, 2012 at 10:30pm by Liz Klimas
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Mother Makes Video to Describe Trials of Having Son With Face Deformity and How She Over Came Criticism

Christian Buchanan was born with a severe facial deformity and without eyes. His mother has learned to look past staring strangers and embraces her decision to have had her son. (Image: YouTube Screenshot)

A video that is starting to make its rounds on the Web, although it was posted about a month ago, shows the trials of a young mother’s decision to go through with having a baby whose face would be severely deformed. It wasn’t the decision of whether or not to have him that she found difficult but the criticism and stares from strangers she received after.

Lacey Buchanan details in a flash-card style self-video posted on “GodTube” — the Christian version of YouTube — how her son Christian came to be, the whispers she endures because of his appearance, and how she ultimately overcame it.

Here area few screenshots of the video showing you Lacey’s harrowing story:

Lacey describes how she and her husband were elated to learn they would be having a boy but later received news something was wrong with Christian. (Image: YouTube Screenshot)

There were many unknowns as to his condition and how severe it would be while he was in the womb, but he ended up being born with a severe cleft pallet and without eyes. (Image: YouTube Screenshot)

With such a rare condition, Lacey explains she can't go anywhere without stares and whispers. (Image: YouTube Screenshot)

Eventually, people began contacting Lacey on Facebook and lending her emotional support. (Image: YouTube Screenshot)

With that support, the gossip and stares began to no longer bother Lacey. (Image: YouTube Screenshot)

Watch the full 7-minute film, which she named “The Right Choice,” for yourself:

The Right Choice from laceybuchanan on GodTube.

On her blog “Leading the Blind” in March, Lacey wrote about how she had been so inspired by a video produced in a similar style that she wanted to share her story about Christian in that way as well. Within a couple hours, she had gotten 600 views and in a day it was up to 20,000 hits. As of this posting, the GodTube version had been viewed more than 62,000 times. It also has been re-posted more recently on YouTube by other users.

(Image: YouTube Screenshot)

“I am absolutely blown away by the response that the video has had,” she on her blog. “I never imagined it would be this big. Thank you so much to everyone who is supporting us in our journey!”

As Lacey, explained, Christian’s condition is called Tessier cleft, which actually describes a variety of rare forms of craniofacial clefts. The Daily Mail reports these more severe clefts only occur in 1 in 150,000 births and notes Lacey says her son is one of 50 with his specific condition in the world.

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Comments (77)

Meechie
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 10:45am
I saw this on Godvine.com yesterday and I loved it. I think this is such an inspiring story. Love it and love them for making the right decisions! =o) (Right is not always easy)
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huntinwabbits
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 10:36am
Normal is all relative. You have to learn normal just like you have to learn the emotion of ‘disgusting.’ A child is a gift from God, not a curse. Christian is a living, breathing human being. He has thoughts and he has a soul. Whether he looks/functions like you or me is irrelevant. He possesses a measure or character and integrity. And judging by this mother, I bet he contains a high amount of both. I sincerely hope you are haunted by what thoughts would go thru Christian’s mind if he lay on a table just before being euthanized – Wondering why he isn‘t accepted by the very people who get mad that other’s are accepting. Thoughts of why isn’t he good enough and why does he not deserve to live and be a human being. The innocence of a child. I have a 9 month old son. And I can promise you, there is no amount or disease or deformation that would ever keep me from doing everything I can to keep him on this earth.
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321481
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 10:22am
“For we walk by faith, not by sight:” II Corinthians 5:7. As this young monther walks down this road of life with the child she loves very much, it will he hard at times. At those times she needs to remember, this Bible verse. It helped me during those times. She did the right thing to choose life.
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bassist237
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 10:19am
God Bless this woman and her family, what a wonderful child. I have two boys myself, they were born as perfect as one could be – I would die if anything happened to them. They are my world and this story has made my day.
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Vickie Dhaene
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 9:00am
Pure love has no boundaries. Sad that people just don’t understand that.
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Johnny Cocheroo
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 8:22am
No mention of the father or how she supports herself?
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- JabberwockyBandersnatch
  Posted on May 11, 2012 at 9:03am
  Uhhh…Johnny… I believe you might have really jumped to conclusions and missed the part where it said: “Lacey describes how she and HER HUSBAND were elated to learn they would be having a boy”. Yet I really find it interesting that you’d commented on this fact, and not the point that this woman, despite knowing about the defect, still chose to keep the child.
  Report Post »
321481
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 7:53am
I took care of my handicapped family member from a stroke. I remember when he told me to just go and forget about him, I turned to him and said I can not because I love you. He got this shocked look on his face, like I didn’t think about that. It was a hard road, people and even doctors were cruel to him and they hurt his feelings over and over again. But I told him I would always be true to him. Right to the end. It was the hardest work of my life but the most rewarding. My love for him grew in ways I never dream possible. I feel for this women, it is a hard road, but the blessings are so special she would have never have dreamed until she walks down this road with this child by faith and not by sight.
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- rangerp
  Posted on May 11, 2012 at 8:30am
  look at the smile and beauty on Mom’s face. You never see that beauty in the face of a liberal woman who supporst the murder of unborn babies. You see the cold, hard, wicked look like Pelosi, Hillary, Schultz, Boxer, Feinstein.
  
  Looks like this lady has it figured out
  Report Post »
- westtitus
  Posted on May 11, 2012 at 9:58am
  My son broke his neck when he was 16 and is now 35 yrs old and I take care of him not matter what. The Doctors were good to him while he was a teenager but now they treat him poorly, like he shouldn’t still be around. He is a low level quadrapelic and I work and get up everyday at 4:00 a.m. to take care of his personal needs and will always be there for him. It is very hard work but very rewarding. This little boy is adorable and don’t know how anyone could not lover him. Too bad when he gets older he will be treated poorly by a lot of people but it doesn’t matter, their loss!
  Report Post »
- liberalchristian47
  Posted on July 14, 2012 at 10:17am
  RANGERP…I am sad for you and all the hate in your heart. I am a liberal (which actually means…accepting of all) I would never abort a child……but I know “CONSERVATIVE” women who have marched in protest of Planned Parenthood, who have HAD abortions(secretly, of course) because having a child was not convenient to their career……go figure… Lacey and her husband are an inspiration to all……what a wonderful family.
  Report Post »
Diane TX
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 3:30am
I remember when I was about 14 seeing a boy, which I believed was younger than me – because he was shorter, on the street. His face was also deformed. He didn’t have external ears, and the rest of his face was all askew. As I got close to him, three young teenage boys started to make fun of him. They said things like – What is it? Hey guy – where’s your ears? They laughed and mocked him. He ignored them, and kept on walking. When I got close to the young teens, I yelled “You guys are a bunch of jerks”. They just laughed at me, too.
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girlnurse
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 3:07am
That mom is beaming with the love of God! Just when I lose faith in this generation of kids…I come across some young person like this amazing woman! She not only decided to keep him, but she is showing him off for the entire world to see! This young girl has inspired me. I wish I had half of her love and courage. God bless the entire family! Thx Blaze!
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- pwatkins
  Posted on May 11, 2012 at 5:33am
  Amen!
  Report Post »
- 1956
  Posted on May 11, 2012 at 6:40am
  I pray that this nation will never know the full enforcement and heartbreak of eugenics. If we get to that point in this nation (and progressives LOVE the idea of culling the undesirables) we are in deep trouble.
  
  I know God is blessing this mother and child.
  Report Post »
- MadinIllinois
  Posted on May 11, 2012 at 7:38am
  God tests our “humanity” everyday – this young woman is a true inspiration!
  Report Post »
- Dismayed Veteran
  Posted on May 11, 2012 at 9:44am
  Blessings come in the most unlikely ways. Don’t let anyone steal you joy.
  Report Post »
blaaaaackwoman
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 2:32am
That kid doesn’t look so bad. He has a strong resemblance to Rush Limbaugh if you ask me.

Let me tell you ladies, I’ve had physical relationships with guys that looked a lot worse than that kid, yikes it makes me shudder, I’m going to go have to pour me another drink just thinking about it.
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- burnteye86
  Posted on May 11, 2012 at 4:18am
  your heart repulses me.
  Report Post »
- Blazebanned
  Posted on May 11, 2012 at 7:10am
  @blaaackwoman aka encinom.
  Trying to be like howard stern,and pretending to be a “shock jock” doesnt work on here.I truelly dont know why you come here,other than you get paid by media matters, you are obese,and can not, nor will not leave mommys basement,and are so morbidly stupid,that you cant function outside the home anyway.Why not do the world a favor, and try and perfect the art of hari kari.And yes, pour yourself another glass of kool aid you dumbass pos.
  Report Post »
ArmyWifeNiz
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 2:29am
I am very saddened by the criticisims that this baby, once called a “thing”, should not have been allowed to live. By denying him his fundamental right to life, you also deny his place in this world, as a teacher, one who can teach a lot to others about compassion and truly loving your fellow man. Children with disabilities are NOT animals, and any health problems arising should be treated with love, compassion and respect, just like ANYONE else with such a disfiguring disability. When he is seen as less than human, the problem lies in the heart of the viewer, and definitley not the child. Shame.
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sealwifenyc
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 1:46am
While I admire this woman for being incredibly strong, as a physician I can’t appreciate her decision. This condition is not simply a deformity, he doesn’t just look different. As a baby he was born without a palette, unable to eat, and endured various surgeries all causing excruciating pain. Depending on the treatment plan, he will have to go through many more, as he ages and grows. He is most likely in constant significant pain, I am not a mother, so perhaps I am missing some type of sensitivity chip, but as a doctor, I see the decision as selfish.
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- Smokey_Bojangles
  Posted on May 11, 2012 at 1:58am
  My Kid is 22 with a clubbed foot and buck teeth.Can I kill him?
  Report Post »
- Trenaway
  Posted on May 11, 2012 at 2:10am
  Your logic is with many flaws in it. Her decision was not selfish, but just the opposite. The most evil and selfish act in the world today is abortion. She could had said I am unable to take care of this child and aborted him. She made the right and unselfish choice to take care of him!
  Report Post »
- ArmyWifeNiz
  Posted on May 11, 2012 at 2:23am
  Boy if you are a doctor, can I get your address so as to AVOID your projecting what I should or should not live through on to me?? Yikes.
  Report Post »
- Gary S
  Posted on May 11, 2012 at 5:48am
  One name; Stephen Hawking.
  Report Post »
- Big_Mike
  Posted on May 11, 2012 at 6:33am
  Whenever I see a case like this, I wonder what we would do if the same facial deformity happened to a puppy or a kitten. People would say “It’s cruel to let the poor thing suffer.”. Why isn’t it cruel to do the same to a child?
  
  This child will have no semblance of a normal life. He will have to endure horribly painful surgeries, will never be anywhere near the same as his peers. And for what?
  
  As for the poster who said “Stephen Hawking”—-Hawking has Lou Gehrig’s disease, you idiot. He wasn’t born that way. He developed a neurological condition. That’s a totally different concept.
  Report Post »
- CABERNETQHS
  Posted on May 11, 2012 at 7:07am
  I am a nurse and have met doctors that share your clinical perspective. The problem is… it‘s not your life or even his mother’s. It’s his. God gave it to him with whatever disabilities or blessings. We cannot look at his life and determine it’s not worth living or that he has no joy.
  Report Post »
- mamabearCali
  Posted on May 11, 2012 at 7:28am
  You are a MD? So you know, I don’t want an MD with a cheap definition of life. Life, even difficult life is precious and to be protected. You don’t know, even as an MD what his ultimate situation in life will bed. I knew a young lady who had a similar condition. She is a beautiful young woman now. Her mom was given a terrible prognosis’ but they were wrong. Other than being a little small and having a slight speech impediment she looks perfectly normal today and lives a healthy life.
  
  People are not puppies. Their life worth is not determined by the quality of life they may enjoy. Their life worth is certainly not determined by a prognosis that is likely very wrong.
  Report Post »
- smokey40
  Posted on May 11, 2012 at 8:40am
  The modern Hippocratic Oath (thx wikipedia!)
  
  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippocratic_Oath
  Report Post »
- onecalledsam
  Posted on May 11, 2012 at 10:21am
  Mam, if going through life without the presence of pain is your standard for life then we’ll all at one point or another have to be put down. I worked with a man for two years who was in constant pain and I don‘t think I’ve met anyone who exhibeted more inner strength and courage as this man. God help us all if doctors ever control who is worthy of life and death.
  Report Post »
- stone2016
  Posted on May 11, 2012 at 1:41pm
  You’re not missing a sensitivity chip, you simply have a God Complex.
  Report Post »
- Lawrence7
  Posted on May 11, 2012 at 2:14pm
  I‘m pretty sure the Baby doesn’t view this as a selfish act. The fact that the Baby can view anything at this point is the medical miracle of life that any doctor should be stepping up honor, rather than criticize.
  Report Post »
JinOH
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 1:05am
That was beautiful. God bless this mother and her child. Gotta wipe the tears away now….
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- ashestoashes
  Posted on May 11, 2012 at 1:43am
  Genetically modified foods are linked to birth defects..as I understand..they multiply in your stomach..even if you never eat them again..and it never goes away..altering your digstive tract forever and transferring to offspring. http://www.anh-usa.org/genetically-engineered-food-alters-our-digestive-systems/ This next site that I am listing has a very interesting read on the page..but there is a mind blowing short 10 clip video if you are interested.. It is astonishing..the men from the FDA..the food safety Czar , supreme court justice Clarence Thomas and Donald Rumsfield if I remember correctly are involved..It’s all about big money, and the last of our God given seed and food although I understand that Bill Gates has a mountain in Norway or Iceland filled with every seed known to man and the gov…i have heard the gov. has the same in an underground city.possibly under Denver..
  http://www.anh-usa.org/genetically-engineered-food-alters-our-digestive-systems/
  Report Post »
- piiguissa
  Posted on May 11, 2012 at 5:09pm
  There was baby deformities before genetically modified food.
  God bless this mother and her baby!
  Report Post »
OhSnappage
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 12:12am
To be fair an abnormality would scare any expecting parent to be. The fear of what they may go thru and the more terrifying aspect of what they would be putting their child thru.

Embracing the power of love can give people the courage and the strengtrh to face such fears.

Deformities can push humanity to strive and improve us all as a society if we have the courage to address the issues. This family deserves our respect and support when ignorant people target them. I hope one day this child does something where we all become thankful for him or somebody invents something marvelous because of him.
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The-Monk
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 12:02am
There are two types of Mothers; the one in this article and the one on the cover of Time Mag. I choose this Mother and so would you.
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- Alexandra1214
  Posted on May 11, 2012 at 12:07am
  AMEN to that statement for sure!
  Report Post »
- OhSnappage
  Posted on May 11, 2012 at 12:17am
  @THE-MONK, Could not have pointed out a better comparison.
  She and Christian should be on the cover of TIME, w/ their tag line “Are You Mother Enough”. That is the proper representation of motherhood in our country.
  Report Post »
- Sagacious
  Posted on May 11, 2012 at 1:06am
  “OhSnappage
  Posted on May 11, 2012 at 12:17am
  @THE-MONK, Could not have pointed out a better comparison.
  She and Christian should be on the cover of TIME, w/ their tag line “Are You Mother Enough”. That is the proper representation of motherhood in our country.”
  
  Yes yes yes, I applaud your statement… Lacey Buchanan is living “attachment parenting” every day of her life. The woman on the Time magazine has no respect for her son. She used him in the most despicable way possible…in a pornographic magazine cover!! Shame on her!!!
  Report Post »
Poggle The Stick
Posted on May 10, 2012 at 11:47pm
God did not make humans to be attractive or the same. In fact, no one is the same! Everyone is different in their own way; people with physical deformities can have great, loving hearts; people who are ‘attractive’ or ‘normal’ often receive their difficulty emotionally. I’m not being stereotypical; people without eyes think like God – they stare right into the heart! Besides, there’s not much humans can see anyways, we’re all so blind and ignorant even with vision.

If God made Christian so he wasn’t born with eyes, that means God made him that way because he doesn’t NEED eyes. I respect God’s decision; he always knows what’s best.

Whether Christian lives a long life or a very short one, he will not only have a positive, inspiring influence around the world (Christian or not); but I’m sure that if he grows to be an adult, he’ll be a dominating benefactor in this sinful, blind world.

Also, HUGE compliments to the lovely parents of this child. Later in the future, whenever that is, you two and Christian will kneel before God’s throne, and he will be VERY PROUD of you.

This is so inspiring. Thank you, Lord for this enlightenment.
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- Git-R-Done
  Posted on May 11, 2012 at 1:00am
  She has a Godly heart.
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- SWODADDY
  Posted on May 11, 2012 at 10:00am
  You are so right. The most noble spirits are borne with handicaps because those spirits need the extra challenge on this earth. Those of us who are “normal” would not have been strong enough to do it. He will be perfected in the next life (as we all will be) and his parents will receive blessings beyond our comprehension.
  Report Post »
LameLiberals
Posted on May 10, 2012 at 11:40pm
90% of parents would abort. I wouldn’t blame them. I’ll get slammed by the holier than thou politically correct right who are just as intolerant as the far left but there is no one I would bring that thing into the world.
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- ashestoashes
  Posted on May 10, 2012 at 11:48pm
  I wonder if this child’s abnormalities stop there or if he has suffered brain damage also..poor baby and poor mom..you know that her heart will break for her child a thousand times as he grows up and it will never cease..I do believe in the power of the almighty to completely heal this child..but if He doesn’t..this child will be healed in the time to come..completely healed..and beautiful..Blessings to you and your beautiful child..
  Report Post »
- marine249
  Posted on May 10, 2012 at 11:51pm
  it is not a thing it is a child
  Report Post »
- hillbillyinny
  Posted on May 11, 2012 at 12:04am
  I believe your position, since you can call a human soul a “thing”!
  
  Sad. . . , YOU, not him.
  
  “Whatevery you DO for the least of these, you have DONE UNTO ME.” (God). Matthew 25.40-emphasis mine.
  Report Post »
- babylonvi
  Posted on May 11, 2012 at 12:28am
  So what happens ir he grows up, is severely limited , his parents too get old and die. I have seen this scenario too many times. I feel for the child’s future as well as the parents.
  Report Post »
- pschlentz
  Posted on May 11, 2012 at 1:47am
  The only one I feel sorry for is you LAME-LIBERAL…
  This world needs more people like this child and his mother, not people like you.
  Report Post »
- Bruce P.
  Posted on May 11, 2012 at 1:13pm
  LAMELIBERALS — few people are willing to admit that we have an active and culturally approved eugenics program.
  Report Post »
- J A
  Posted on May 11, 2012 at 7:38pm
  BABYLONVI……you asked what happens when he grows up and his parents are no longer able to care for him? Well, if he needs care, he comes to our agency. The individuals that we lovingly care for are older adults that live in their own homes with 1 or 2 roommates. We provide as much guidance and support that they need to live a happy and healthy life. Their life may not look like yours, but it is their life and they live it to the fullest. May God bless us all.
  Report Post »
alrunner58
Posted on May 10, 2012 at 11:37pm
What a mom to have a miracle like Christian. God Bless.
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LeadNotFollow
Posted on May 10, 2012 at 11:29pm
…
God bless this sweet Mother, for doing the right thing.
She did not abort this beautiful gift from God.
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- Big_Mike
  Posted on May 11, 2012 at 6:45am
  A child who will never have a normal life and will be dependent on his parents forever is not a gift. It’s a curse.
  Report Post »
- Intense66
  Posted on May 11, 2012 at 11:03am
  BigMike….You have no compassion and I truly believe you are evil. I would pray for your soul but I think you have already sold it to the devil. This child is NOT a curse, this child was put on this earth for a reason, a reason none of us (especially you) will probably never know because it’s not our place to know. It is our place to show compassion, love and faith in the good Lord…He knows and that’s all that really matters. You know BigMike…I will pray for your soul after all.
  Report Post »
Novice6118
Posted on May 10, 2012 at 11:25pm
May God bless this family. This story gives gives me faith in the goodness of people.
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Gamaliel
Posted on May 10, 2012 at 11:02pm
Now there’s a real woman!
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HorseCrazy
Posted on May 10, 2012 at 11:01pm
Love pure and simple. What a doll that girl is, her son is blessed to have a wonderful family. God bless them
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Servant Of YHVH
Posted on May 10, 2012 at 10:45pm
Well anyone that criticized and/or stared at this mother and baby is just showing everyone just how foolish and ignorant they are. All they do is prove how low and unworthy they are. I wasn‘t going to say the following on here but I’ve thought about it and I would be willing to bet that the very large majority (95%+) are liberals. I just had to say that because what I’ve personally seen would fit that percentage.
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- THXll38
  Posted on May 10, 2012 at 11:03pm
  “Well anyone that criticized and/or stared at this mother and baby is just showing everyone just how foolish and ignorant they are.”
  
  Kind of like how social cons think of the gay movement and gay marriage.
  Report Post »
- Doctor Nordo
  Posted on May 10, 2012 at 11:48pm
  I think staring is a very natural reaction when you’re talking about something this rare. Criticizing and whispering, on the other hand, is disgusting.
  Report Post »
jpschaeffer
Posted on May 10, 2012 at 10:35pm
THANK God for a mother’s love……to be able to see her son thru God”s eyes!!!
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vtxphantom
Posted on May 10, 2012 at 10:35pm
There is nothing wrong with Christian. Any problem lies with the culture.
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- Bruce P.
  Posted on May 11, 2012 at 1:14pm
  VTXPHANTOM — true words.
  Report Post »
- Bruce P.
  Posted on May 11, 2012 at 1:15pm
  VTXPHANTOM — wise words.
  Report Post »

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