Warrior Mom; Maria

Maria's Story

Gabby was born on July 2nd 2009 at Magee Woman's Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pa. At our 20 week ultrasound we found out that there was something wrong with Gabby. At 22 weeks we had a ultrasound performed at Magee Woman's and found out Gabby was missing part of her brain. They told us she would not be capable of living outside the womb and suggest we have an abortion several times. I am 100% against abortion and felt if and when God wanted her he would take her. At my 36 week appointment a famous physician came to my aid. He wanted to know why I was planning for Gabby's death... There was no time stamp on her foot so we had better go buy a crib and clothing for her. She was born on July 2nd via breech delivery. She came out screaming! My only wish was before they rushed her off to the NICU was to tell her I loved her so no matter what happened she knew I was there. Well as all miracle children do she showed them she was a fighter. On July 4th we left the NICU and came home. It was a bumpy road over the next couple months. We found out at 4 months she has a rare genetic condition called Muscle Eye Brain Disease. It is a form of congenital muscular dystrophy, Gabby has Cortical dysplasia(She is missing part of her brain) Cobble Stone Brain, infantile glaucoma, and how severe low tone in parts of her body and hi tone in other parts of her body. MEB is a regressive disorder. Over time her muscles begin to waste away and there is nothing we can do to stop it. She has had 7 eye surgeries 2 brain surgeries, a G-tube placement, teeth removal, and tonsils and adenoids removed. She also has had many stomach biopsy's, long hospital stays though out her short life. The doctors don't know how or why she is still here with us on this earth, according to "the doctor's books" she is a living miracle. She beats the odds on a daily basis.

 

Read more of Maria & Gabby's story by following Gabby's Facebook @ Giving For Gabby

 

 

 

 

Warrior Story written by Maria Roddy, as told on Facebook.

For a related story, check out Misty's Story