Estella Zayas

On May 12th, 2022, our family’s world was turned upside down. Our 10-year-old daughter Estella is now facing Brain Surgery.  It all started with a call from afterschool saying she was having head aches and when told to rest she was covering her right eye. That led to taking her to eye doctors which referred us to the ER. 

 In the ER of our local Children's Hospital an MRI found a 7mm cyst behind her right eye. The cyst is causing pressure to the nerve that controls eye movement which is causing her pain and double vision. There is no medication or therapy that can be done to remedy it.

So far, the only medical treatment option is surgery, she will need a Craniotomy and it is considered high risk based on the delicate area the cyst is located.   Estella has been a healthy child and this cyst just appeared. We do not have a clear reason as to why it came about but we do know that the Surgery is imminent.

People have asked how they could help, and we have been grateful for all the prayers and well wishes. They have also offered to make monetary donations, which is why we have created this page.

But now reality has set in as we prepare to face the costs of the surgery, medication, and treatments that she will need after the procedure. And the thought of it is overwhelming, scary, and concerning.

On behalf of Estella, Marideli (Mom), Valentina (Sister) and I Felix Zayas (Dad) we ask for your help to restore our girl Estella’s vision with any contribution that you can make. 

As we navigate this difficult process we recognize this is a time for prayer and reflection to keep our faith that our daughter will prevail thru this ordeal. Estella is a strong and happy young lady. She has showed grit and has persevered with a smile; always illuminating everyone in the room. We trust God's promise that he is our great Physician and Healer.

Although we are worried and afraid. We choose to Trust God's promise: 

-        Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heavens, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10.
-        Heal me, LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise. Jeremiah 17:14 NIV.

 We thank you so much for taking the time to read this, for joining us in prayer and for any contributions. All proceeds will be used to cover her medical expenses. 

 The Zayas Family  #estellastrong 

JUN 16 – Went for a 2nd opinion at Duke University Pediatric Hospital. The Pediatric neurosurgeon opinion was not that dissimilar from the original surgeon thoughts after seeing the MRI but he is concerned there could be other issues such as vascular and wants to make sure that other pediatric surgeons are on board with plan of action. He ordered an arterial CT scan which we did today to rule out any additional complications or to better prepare for a surgical plan. We will know the results in a couple of days. 

He is also referring her to a Pediatric neuro-ophthalmologist for additional assessments. All doctors agree this is a complicated surgery as the placement of the mass is very risky. 

Estella is doing well although she is uncomfortable but is resilient and hopeful. 

Even though we are worried we continue to love, pray, hope, and repeat as a family unit. 

 

2 Kings 20:5 “I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you.”

God Bless you all and thank you for your financial help as the medical expenses for this surgery are increasing.


Zayas Family