Aria Santina Moreno was born March 24th, 2019 to parents Julie and Brandon Moreno. Aria is a Micro-preemie, born at just 24 weeks and weighing 1 lb 6.9 ounces.

Julie and Brandon need our love and support now more than ever. This has not been an easy journey for them. Julie and Brandon tried for over 2 years to get pregnant, which included over 7 rounds of IUI and IVF. Throughout their entire fertility journey Julie and Brandon continued to put others first, their love for helping others is beyond measure. Julie works as an occupational therapist and even on her hardest days she never lets a patient down. Brandon works in law enforcement and volunteers at a local fire department. They never gave up hope that one day they would be parents. 

In October of 2018 they received the amazing news that Julie was pregnant and that in July of 2019 they would welcome their first child into the world. Words can not describe how happy they were to share the news with family and friends and start preparing for their new baby. When they found out they were having a girl they started discussing names, but they couldn't find the perfect one. After weeks of discussing Brandon suggested Aria, and they both agreed it was perfect. The day after Aria was named, Julie went into labor. Doctors tried to stop it but they could not. Aria decided she was ready, even if no one else was. Brandon and Julie didn't know it at the time, but along with many other translations in different languages, in Hebrew Aria means "Lioness of God". What a perfect name for this tiny and mighty fighter, who is now fighting for her life every passing minute. 

Aria needs the help of ventilators, blood transfusions, many medications, x-rays, ultrasounds, UV lights, and much more. At 1 week old she was transferred to CHOP because doctors discovered a perforation in her bowel and Aria needed surgery to repair it.

Aria's stay in the NICU will surpass the amount of time Julie and Brandon have for paid parental leave. When Aria finally comes home she will still need an immense amount of care, as she is at risk for many conditions, like Cerebral Palsy. 

Julie and Brandon need all the love, prayers, and support we can provide right now. All donations will go towards medical bills and other expenses such as gas and food for Brandon and Julie so they can provide Aria the care and love she needs in these next critical months of her life. Anything you can give to help alleviate some pressure from these two new and wonderful parents would be so greatly appreciated so that they can concentrate all their energy on their beautiful baby girl.

Thank you everyone for your prayers, blessings, sharing this post, and  donations for Julie,  Brandon, and their sweet fighter Aria. We know they truly appreciate it.