This is Ethan, my nephew and the living definition of the word strong in Hebrew. While he was still in the womb, Ethan was diagnosed with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC), a rare condition in which multiple contractures, or limitations in the movement of certain joints, are apparent at birth. Only a few months ago, doctors said he may not make it. What started out as a regular follow-up ultrasound in the beginning of the 36th week, ended up in the C-section that saved Ethan’s life. During the ultrasound, liquid was visible around his lungs, leaving doctors with no choice but to get Ethan out of the womb immediately. At the time of the epidural administration, Ethan’s heart stopped, which made the urgency of the operation even more severe. When Ethan was finally welcomed into the world on January 12, 2016 at 1:01pm, he was not breathing. The doctors and nurses immediately made a hole in his throat and inserted a tracheal tube through, leading down to his lungs to create an airway and remove secretions from his lungs, which he still needs to this day. Ethan was taken to the NICU, without even getting the chance to be held by his mother until 6 days after he was born. When he was born, his right leg was extended all the way up to his head, his left leg was curved from the ankle down, and both his wrists were bent. Now, his right leg is in a splint, but doctors are waiting for him to grow a bit more before doing much with his other joints. Only time will tell if he will be able to walk. He is fed through a tube which goes into his nose, down his throat, and into his stomach, as he cannot swallow on his own. As we continue to learn about his condition, we have also learned that he has scoliosis, dislocated hips and wrists, and a cleft palate which will eventually require an operation. He does not have much of a jaw, which makes it hard to open his mouth, but with some physical therapy we will be able to open his mouth and see if his tongue is pushing back, causing him to not be able to swallow. This factor alone will play a huge role in whether or not Ethan will be able to live a normal life, or if he will have to be fed through a tube his whole life. While we don’t know what exactly the future holds for Ethan, we do know that he’s going to be in the NICU for at the very least a month before he can come home, and he will need physical therapy, along with many other treatments and operations once he’s out. But against all odds, here he is, alive and fighting his little heart out and proving his strength to the world. Of course, only faith and time will determine Ethan’s future, but any support he can get to keep receiving the treatment he needs, will help him take his baby steps towards the future he deserves.