On February 23, 2022, I welcomed my long-awaited daughter, Emilia, into the world. What should have been a joyous occasion quickly spiraled into a nightmare. Emilia’s delivery was extremely challenging; she became stuck in the birth canal, and when she finally arrived, she was not breathing. Her skin was blue, her collarbones were fractured, and I missed hearing her first cry. I was not permitted to hold her or even see her. The medical team rushed her to intensive care and placed her on life support, leaving me engulfed in fear and uncertainty.
The subsequent diagnoses were horrifying. Emilia had suffered severe damage to her central nervous system and was diagnosed with cerebral edema, congenital aortic stenosis, laryngeal stenosis, and microcephaly. The doctors were uncertain about her chances of survival. To prevent further brain damage, they kept her body cool for three agonizing days. I remained by her side, feeling helpless and praying for any sign of life—a moment when she would open her eyes or take a breath. Those days felt endless, and I was consumed by fear, unsure if she would pull through.
Just when we thought the worst was behind us, Emilia was diagnosed with a complex heart defect. We were transferred to another hospital, where a skilled cardiac surgeon performed a critical, life-saving operation that gave our daughter a fighting chance. However, complications continued to arise—sepsis, pneumonia, and multiple blood transfusions. At one point, a doctor gently suggested, “Perhaps it would be wise to have the baby baptized…” I understood the implication. It was a signal to prepare for the worst. Looking at Emilia’s fragile body, entangled in tubes and wires, I couldn’t bear the thought of losing her. The idea of a world without my baby was unbearable.
Every day, as I entered and exited the hospital, I passed a statue of Our Lady. I prayed to Her daily, asking for a miracle for my child. I don’t know if Providence heard my pleas, but what followed was nothing short of miraculous. Day by day, Emilia’s condition began to improve. The doctors, who had once spoken of despair, now spoke of hope—a chance for a future. The impossible was becoming possible, and our daughter was gradually returning to us.
To this day, I still struggle to comprehend how I endured those days. My memories from that time are hazy—clouded by fear, sleepless nights, and the constant anticipation of Emilia’s every breath. I lived moment by moment, driven solely by instinct and the overwhelming fear that never allowed me to rest. I was uncertain of what the next moment would bring, yet I clung to the faintest glimmer of hope.
Today, Emilia is with us, and she continues to fight every single day. She battles epilepsy and struggles to eat or drink independently. Her nutrition is provided entirely through a gastrostomy tube. She requires constant care, and someone is always present to assist with even the simplest tasks. Despite her young age, Emilia needs intensive and regular rehabilitation to help her acquire the skills necessary for greater independence and to continue her fight for a brighter future.
While the worst is behind us, the journey is far from over. Emilia still faces numerous challenges, and the road ahead is long and uncertain. As her mother, I want nothing more than to provide her with the best chance at life, but I need assistance to do so. Emilia’s rehabilitation requires specialized equipment, therapies, and ongoing care that we cannot manage alone. That is why I am reaching out for your support.
Every donation, no matter how small, can significantly impact Emilia’s life. Each contribution provides her with more hours of rehabilitation, greater access to the specialized care she urgently needs, and more hope for the future. Your support will enable Emilia to continue her fight and develop the skills necessary for her to one day live more independently, perhaps even defying the odds that once seemed insurmountable.
Please, don’t abandon us on this journey. Emilia’s story is one of strength, resilience, and hope. But it also serves as a reminder that she still requires so much to overcome the challenges that lie ahead. Your kindness and generosity can help her continue to grow, become stronger, and fight for a better tomorrow.
From the depths of my heart, I thank you for your support. Your assistance means the world to us, and together, we can give Emilia the chance she deserves to live a life free from pain and suffering. Thank you for standing by our side and being part of this miracle. Together, we can provide her with the future we dream of.
