Former VH1 star Emily Bustamante, who appeared on the main cast of “Love & Hip Hop New York” from 2011 to 2012, revealed in an emotional Instagram post that Journey, the 5-year-old daughter she shares with rapper Fabolous, was born with a very rare congenital condition called PHACE syndrome.
The Cleveland Clinic says the condition can affect multiple body parts including the skin, brain, heart, major arteries, and eyes. The social media post, which Bustamante shared around April 2, was the first time she’s publicly spoken about Journey’s diagnosis.
Along with Journey, Bustamante is a mom to three other children. Two are also shared with Fabolous, while her oldest, daughter Taina Williams, is from a previous relationship.
Emily Bustamante Talks About Finding Strength Amid Daughter’s Rare Diagnosis
Bustamante wrote in the caption of her post explaining Journey’s diagnosis:
“For a long time, I kept this part of my life private… publicly.
Not because I was ashamed.
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 conditionShe experiences the world differently.
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.But more than anything… there has been LOVE 💙
On World Autism Awareness Day..I’m choosing to share this openly.
Because visibility matters
and so does she.”
The 45-year-old invited her followers to follow an advocacy page she set up on Instagram called @aspecialjourney before concluding, “This is just the beginning.”
Bustamante welcomed Journey with her on-and-off partner of over 2 decades, “Can’t Let You Go” rapper Fabolous in October 2020. The artist lovingly commented on the announcement, “A Special Journey.”
Celebrities Send Love After Emily Bustamante’s Announcement
GettySeveral familiar faces from the reality TV world commented on Bustamante’s post about Journey to show their support. “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Marlo Hampton sent a string of heart emojis, while fellow New Yorker and “Love Island USA” star Amaya Espinal did the same.
Bustamante’s former “Love & Hip Hop” costar Erica Mena commented, “She’s Perfection E! Your whole family is and you have such an incredible kingdom which you hold it all together. Queen be proud.”
La La Anthony said, “God bless you and ur whole family Emily❤️beautiful family. So much love,” while “RHOA” star Porsha Williams wrote, “God bless you and your little angel 🩵🤍 You have such a beautiful family.”
