Becoming a parent transforms your life in an instant — altering your dreams, priorities, and emotions. However, for Emilka’s parents, that moment of happiness was overshadowed by unimaginable dread. While their daughter was still in the womb, doctors delivered a heartbreaking diagnosis: hypoplastic left heart syndrome — one of the most severe congenital heart defects known.
“She wasn’t even born yet,” her mother whispers, “and already, she was fighting for her life.”
A Dream Shattered by a Diagnosis
At 31 weeks of pregnancy, Emilka’s parents attended what was meant to be a routine ultrasound. Instead, the atmosphere turned somber as the doctor examined the screen. Then came the words no parent wishes to hear — “There’s something wrong with your baby’s heart.”
Time stood still.
“We were thrilled to be expecting her,” her father recalls. “And suddenly, we were told our daughter might not survive her first week of life.”
The diagnosis — hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) — indicated that the left side of Emilka’s heart, which is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body, was underdeveloped. Without urgent and specialized surgery, most newborns with this condition do not survive beyond a few days.
Nevertheless, the family refused to lose hope. They held onto the faintest glimmer of possibility — that somewhere, someone could save their child.
A Complicated Battle for Life
When Emilka was born, her condition was even more severe than anticipated. Not only was the left side of her heart underdeveloped, but part of her heart was completely blocked. The situation was dire.
The tiny newborn struggled to breathe, her skin turning gray from a lack of oxygen. Her parents watched in despair as doctors worked tirelessly to stabilize her. Every moment was critical.
“No one could help us,” her mother says through tears. “We went from hospital to hospital, and everywhere we heard the same thing — her heart is too complex, too damaged.”
Yet, giving up was never an option.
“We made a promise,” her father adds. “We will do everything, everything, to save her.”
A Glimmer of Hope in Barcelona
Just as the family’s hope began to wane, a team of renowned pediatric cardiologists in Barcelona presented what could be their last opportunity — a multi-stage surgical plan customized for Emilka’s unique anatomy.
These surgeries could reconstruct and reshape her heart, offering her a chance not just to survive, but to thrive. However, time is of the essence — and so is funding.
The doctors cautioned that the first procedure must occur as soon as possible. Any delay heightens the risk that Emilka’s delicate heart will fail before surgeons can act.
“It’s unbearable,” her mother says. “We know her life hinges on this surgery — yet, we’re powerless without financial assistance.”
A Plea From the Heart
The expenses for the procedures in Spain are exorbitant — far exceeding what a family can manage alone. However, no amount can compare to the value of a child’s life. Emilka’s parents have made a heartfelt appeal, hoping that kindness and generosity will transform despair into hope.
“We never thought we’d be pleading with strangers to save our daughter,” her father states. “But this is our only chance. We can’t let her die — not when there’s still hope.”
Their days are now filled with organizing fundraisers, reaching out to hospitals, and praying for a miracle — while their fragile daughter fights to keep her heart beating.
“Every time I hold her,” her mother says, “I whisper to her, ‘Stay with us. We’ll find a way.’”
Time Is Running Out
Emilka’s condition is critical. The clock is ticking, and without prompt intervention, her underdeveloped heart will not be able to support her fragile body.
Her parents’ message is straightforward, urgent, and filled with love:
💔 “Please, help us save our daughter.”
Every contribution, every share, every kind word brings them closer to the surgery that could provide Emilka with a future — a chance to smile, to take her first steps, and to grow up surrounded by love instead of hospital walls.
Because no parent should ever have to witness their child fade away when there’s still hope to fight for.
“We have critically little time,” her parents implore. “But with your help, Emilka can live.”
💖 Help us save her tiny heart — so it can keep beating tomorrow.
