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Emily Bustamante just got real about her daughter Journey’s health, and honestly, it’s not something she’s ever talked about before. On World Autism Awareness Day, Emily opened up and shared that her five-year-old daughter lives with both autism and PHACE syndrome, a rare congenital condition.
This wasn’t just another celebrity announcement. It felt raw, vulnerable, and it hit home for a lot of people.
What Emily Bustamante revealed about her daughter, Journey
Emily has always kept this part of her life close, but now she’s ready to talk about it. Bustamante shared that her daughter, Journey Isabella, has been diagnosed with autism and is nonverbal, with sensory processing challenges. Bustamante also revealed that Journey was born with PHACE syndrome, which is a rare congenital condition that affects multiple systems in the body.In her Instagram post, Emily explained why she kept Journey’s story private. It wasn’t about shame or not loving her daughter enough. She just wanted to protect Journey’s journey. However, she now says she wants to raise awareness. Hence comes the revelation.Bustamante, 45, shared the update on Journey, 5, whom she shares with Fabolous, in an Instagram post on Thursday, April 2. "For a long time, I kept this part of my life private… publicly," she began her post.
"Not because I was ashamed," Bustamante continued. "Not because I didn’t love her loudly. But because some Journeys feel sacred. My daughter Journey is autistic. She is nonverbal. She has sensory processing challenges.
She was born with PHACE syndrome.. a very rare congenital condition."Bustamante added that Journey "experiences the world differently."Emily’s words brought out the mother in her. “She’s changed me in ways I still can’t fully put into words.
There have been moments of fear. Moments of learning. Moments where I had to become stronger than I ever imagined.” She said she picked World Autism Day to talk about Journey, because visibility matters, and so does her daughter.Bustamante then shared that she chose to publicly open up about Journey's diagnosis on World Autism Day, in an effort to bring awareness to the community.Fabolous, Journey’s dad, jumped in with a comment: “A Special Journey.”
That’s not just a sweet phrase; it’s also the name of an organization Emily started to support kids with autism and complex diagnoses. She wrapped up her post with, “This is just the beginning.”
What Is PHACE Syndrome?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, PHACE syndrome can impact a child’s brain, heart, arteries, and eyes. Per the organization, "A hallmark sign of PHACE syndrome is the presence of hemangiomas, which are noncancerous (benign) skin growths made up of blood vessels, usually on your child’s face and neck."Sometimes, if symptoms get really serious, it can be life-threatening. But with the right care, it’s manageable. Cleveland Clinic adds that the condition "can be life-threatening" if symptoms are severe, and that it can be managed with treatment. Because PHACE syndrome is so rare, families often struggle to get clear answers or help, so Emily speaking out really matters.Who are Emily Bustamante and Journey Isabella?For the unversed, Emily Bustamante, who goes by Emily B, is a designer, stylist, and TV personality, mostly known for reality TV and her longtime relationship with rapper Fabolous.
They have three kids together, including Journey, who was born in October 2020. Emily also has a daughter, Taina Williams, from another relationship, so she’s a mom of four, juggling public life and private challenges.Emily’s kept her family pretty private, but this moment feels big. Journey, her youngest, has mostly stayed out of the spotlight until now. She’s five, autistic, nonverbal, and experiences the world in her own way. Sensory processing challenges mean things like sound and touch can feel different for her. Emily’s message is all about acceptance, awareness, and loving her daughter, no matter what.
English (US) ·