My Super Nova

On Monday, August 17, 2020, when I left my 11 month-old son, "Super Nova," with his  13 year old sister, he was so happy as I took him upstairs to her room. He was all smiles  and full of laughter, as usual. He loves his big sister and she loves him very much too! 

I'm a hairdresser, and had an appointment that morning. Due to a dispute within the  family, I made the decision to have my daughter babysit her brother instead of asking  another family member who may have been able. My daughter is very responsible and  knows how to care for her brother, so I felt comfortable in my decision. I intended on  checking in via Face Time periodically anyway. 

In hindsight, I wish I made a different choice, but there are no time machines and no  ability to change the past no matter how much I wish there was. While I was at my  client's home, Nova's father, who is a long-haul truck driver, called me multiple times, but  I didn't answer right away. When he continued to call, I knew something was wrong, but  I had no idea just how wrong things were. When I answered, he was hysterical. He was  screaming, “The baby drowned, the baby!” Moments later, my daughter Face Timed me  crying uncontrollably, “Mom, I’m sorry! Nova drowned!” 

It's hard to explain what I was feeling and thinking in that moment. I'm not sure there are  words to express it. It was a flood of emotions, fear, anxiety, disbelief, and nausea. Even  though I was in shock, I knew I had to get to my son and to my family. Thankfully, my  client drove me to the hospital. There was no way I could have gotten there safely on my  own. We arrived at the hospital before the ambulance did. Nova's father was in Georgia  when he got the news and was heading back home to Orlando as well. 

I was at the hospital when I got the full story of what happened. Nova had a bowel  movement and big sis followed mom's usual protocol of giving him a bath to clean him  properly. She stepped away for a moment to start getting some food together and when  she came back Nova was face down in the water. I can’t imagine how she must have felt  seeing this firsthand. Thankfully, she had enough sense, in the midst of her panic, to pull  Nova from the tub and rush his limp, naked body to our neighbor's home. Our neighbors  are usually never home, but by the mercy of God, that day, they were. They called 911  and our neighbor, Anthony began administering CPR on Nova. He told me later that a  large portion of his floor was covered with the water Nova aspirated. We are forever  indebted to him for his fast response, which saved our son's life that day. 

Nova's father and I spent the next month in the hospital with Nova, barely leaving his  side. We learned that Nova had suffered a severe brain injury as a result of his near  drowning accident. We have seen many doctors, specialist, therapist, etc. since then  

and we have continued to actively pursue all the avenues we can to help our son get his  health restored. 

The year 2020 was a very difficult year for many for a variety of reasons. Our family was  not an exception. Just when we thought things couldn’t be any more difficult, we all  tested positive for COVID-19 on Christmas Eve, yes, even our sweet baby, Nova.  Thankfully, Nova’s father, who is on the road driving much of the week was spared from  the virus, but several of our in-home nurses were affected which left us without the  needed help for a while. My 71 year-old grandmother, who has stage four cancer, was  also impacted. She moved in with us after Nova’s accident to help me care for him, and  to be honest, to help me care for myself which I forget to do most days. I don’t know 

what I would have done without her at the onset of this season. She’s really been a  blessing to my family in so many ways. Please remember her in your prayers also. 

You’re probably wondering about our daughter at this point. How is she doing after this  tragic accident, right? Well, by the mercy of God, she’s doing well. She’s home, busy  with school and she plays a vital role in helping us care for Nova. We love her very much  and we remind her that this was an accident that could have happened to anyone. We  know this was not an intentional act, but it is definitely a lesson learned. Her father and I  are doing our best to love and encourage her, being careful not to neglect her needs as  we care for Nova. We are a family and we all need each other. 

We've learned a lot so far from this journey with Nova and we are learning new things  everyday. It would be impossible to list them all. This tragedy has caused us to look to  God in ways we weren't before. We've been reminded of the frailty of life and how no  one is promised tomorrow, not even a baby. We're more mindful of the importance of  forgiveness and loving family and friends. We're learning that God, in his kindness, can  make someone who was once a stranger, become like family. We're learning daily that  we're not in this alone. There are countless others who have been in our shoes and who  are suffering and fighting for their children's wellbeing also. One of the most humbling  realities we've come to is that we can't do this alone. We need the Lord's strength and  wisdom and if YOU are able or willing, we need YOUR help. 

To date, Nova has received Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, which has been temporarily  suspended, but is due to resume soon. We are very thankful to the Martina family for  donating the funds for that service. We would not have been able to afford it otherwise. 

We are endeavoring to do everything possible to get our son the best care available and  to enhance his quality of life. We want to raise as much as we can to cover all ,but I set a goal of $50,000 to cover future treatments it will be a miracle if I get even close to this amount ,just know that every $1 count also I set a CASHAPP account that I will share . All treatments done and therapy I will update with pictures and videos here of his journey and where every dollar has went too. which Nova's insurance will not cover.  

Here are some of our immediate goals: 

(1) To purchase an in-home hyperbaric chamber. This is a less expensive option than  office treatments. 

(2) At least two rounds of stem cell therapy with Dr. Consuelo Mancias-Guerra at the  University Hospital Hematology Center in Monterrey Mexico. This cost includes lodging  and transportation. They will use Nova’s own stem cells to treat him. https://stemcell host.com/ 

(3) To get Nova Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration treatments (MNRI) to  help with his motor reflex and movements. https://masgutovamethod.com/ 

(4) For treatment at a Plasticity Center to get Nova advanced diagnostic testing and  precise therapies that will help him neurologically. 

https://www.plasticitybraincenters.com/ 

(5) For Nova to receive photobiomodulation (laser therapy) at The Austin Center for  Developing Minds, which has been effective for other children with Nova’s condition.  https://www.facebook.com/watch/AustinCenterforDevelopingMinds/

(6) Florida Functional Neurology Group with Dr. Alexander C. Frank 
Located in Wildwood Florida        https://www.ffng.org/

I was hesitant at first about putting this Go Fund Me together. My pride played a role in  my delay. Even now, I’m not sure whether we’ll hit our financial goal, but several friends remind me often, that God is in control of all things and I can trust Him no matter what  happens. It’s not something that comes easy for me, but I believe it’s the truth. 

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for considering how you can help our  son, “Super Nova.” The smallest gift to the largest contribution is appreciated and we  welcome your prayers and encouraging words as we take things day-by-day.

CASH APP *******$BabyBoyNova********
Anyone wishing to send  the lords words, cards, letters of encouragement, gift cards, checks, toys, stuff animals, clothes  anything....
Mailing Address : 2133 Florida Soapberry Blvd. Orlando ,FL 32828
  
Any Helpful ideas or advice,  knowledge on this tragedy I'm facing please feel free to email me anything helps or leave a comment.
Email : [email redacted]