If only our situation were a straightforward horror film, a narrative we could close and never revisit. Sadly, this is not a fantasy—it’s our reality, a daily battle for a miracle, a relentless struggle for our daughter’s life and well-being.
Our beloved Kornelia arrived two months early, an unexpected birth that filled us with fear, tears, and a sense of helplessness. Those feelings continue to haunt us daily, as we live with the memories of those initial moments.
When Kornelia was born, asphyxia caused cerebral oxygen deprivation. We didn’t hear her first cry. We didn’t see her tiny body turn pink as we had hoped. Instead, our daughter was completely black, not breathing. In those terrifying moments, it felt like we were losing her before we even had a chance to say hello. She was taken away, and the doctors fought with everything they had to bring her back, to give her that first breath of life.
When we first saw her, lying in a specialized bag connected to countless wires, we didn’t know how to respond. There was so much equipment—ventilators, pulse oximeters, infusion pumps, and wires stretching beyond our view. It’s an image that has remained with us, vivid in our minds, even after all these years.
Within the first 24 hours of her life, Kornelia suffered a fourth-degree stroke, the most severe type she could have. The doctors gave her only a 5% chance of survival. I couldn’t comprehend why my fragile little girl, weighing just over a kilogram, had to fight so hard for life. I spent days by her side, praying for her strength, hoping she wouldn’t give up. And against all odds, she didn’t.
Kornelia fought for her life, and after months of struggle, she emerged victorious. But now, we are fighting for her mobility, for her future. The strokes had devastated her body, leaving deep scars. To save her life, doctors had to implant a ventriculoperitoneal shunt in her head. Without it, she wouldn’t have survived. Yet, the challenges didn’t stop there. Kornelia also battles drug-resistant epilepsy and West syndrome, and her list of conditions continues to grow—cerebral palsy, cortical vision impairment, and hearing loss all weaken her tiny body, leaving her vulnerable.
In September 2023, after extensive genetic testing, Kornelia was diagnosed with a metabolic defect. This condition hinders her body from processing sugars properly, necessitating a strict specialized diet. The Children’s Health Center, which focuses on treating children with metabolic disorders, has been crucial in Kornelia’s progress. We’ve witnessed her make miraculous strides in her development, and we cling to the hope that with ongoing treatment, she can achieve even more.
Kornelia is making remarkable progress, but the road ahead is long, and we cannot afford to let this progress slip away. Every day she fights, every day she improves, is a step closer to her independence. However, this is not a battle we can win alone. We need your support.
We’re asking you to support Kornelia’s ongoing rehabilitation, treatment, and specialized care. The costs of these treatments are overwhelming, but they are essential if she is to continue to grow, learn, and one day live independently. Every contribution matters in this fight, and your generosity can make a significant difference for our daughter.
You’ve already helped us countless times, and for that, we are profoundly grateful. But we’re not giving up on Kornelia, and we ask that you don’t abandon us either. She’s come so far, and we refuse to let this opportunity slip away. With your support, Kornelia can continue her journey, and we can provide her with the life she deserves—a life where she can experience joy, independence, and all the things she’s fought so hard for.
Thank you from the depths of our hearts for your kindness, your compassion, and your willingness to help. Together, we can assist Kornelia in overcoming the obstacles in her path and continue her journey toward a brighter future.
