Emilia was born on February 23, 2022, after what should have been a moment of joy turned into a heart-wrenching fight for her life. The birth was traumatic—Emilia was stuck in the birth canal, born without breathing, and her body was blue. She didn’t cry when she was born, and I wasn’t able to hold her. Instead, the doctors rushed her to intensive care, where they immediately placed her on life support.
What followed were the worst days of my life. The diagnoses were terrifying—central nervous system damage, cerebral edema, congenital aortic stenosis, laryngeal stenosis, and microcephaly. The doctors weren’t sure if she would survive, and my heart sank. For three days, her body was kept cool in an attempt to protect her brain, as she lay on a cold mattress, fighting for her life. I prayed for nothing more than for her to open her eyes, for her to start breathing. Those three days felt like an eternity.
After her first critical days, we learned that Emilia had a complex heart defect. She was transferred to another hospital, where a renowned cardiac surgeon performed a delicate and lengthy surgery that saved her life. But the journey was far from over. Following the surgery, Emilia developed complications—sepsis, pneumonia, and needed several blood transfusions. One doctor even suggested that it might be a good idea to baptize her. I knew what that meant. I was told to prepare for the worst. Seeing my tiny, defenseless baby, covered in wires and tubes, I couldn’t bear the thought of losing her.
Every day, I prayed to Our Lady for a miracle, looking up at the statue outside the hospital. I don’t know if it was providence or simply the will to survive, but Emilia fought back. Slowly, she began to improve, and the doctors, who had once spoken of an uncertain future, now spoke of a chance. It was a miracle—one that gave me hope when I had almost lost it all.
But even as Emilia’s condition began to stabilize, our fight was far from over. She continues to battle against epilepsy and cannot eat or drink on her own—her nutrition is delivered through a gastrostomy tube. Despite all the progress she’s made, Emilia needs constant care, rehabilitation, and someone by her side for daily activities. She needs intensive therapy to help her function and gain independence.
The worst may be behind us, but the road ahead remains long. I now find myself asking for help—for Emilia’s future, for her chance to thrive. The cost of her rehabilitation, specialized equipment, and therapy is overwhelming. Every donation brings Emilia closer to the help she needs, the help that can give her the chance to grow, learn, and experience life in a way we had once hoped for.
Emilia’s spirit and strength continue to inspire me, but I can’t do this alone. We need your support to continue her journey, to help her develop and fight for a better tomorrow. Please, don’t abandon us. Every little bit helps, and together, we can ensure that Emilia gets the care and opportunities she so desperately needs.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your generosity, support, and prayers. Emilia’s fight is not over, and your kindness can help make her future brighter.
