Little Miracle Julianna
Donation protected
I was blessed to meet Julianna and her mother Maricel through my good friend, Annelly. The heartbreaking & devastating story of Julianna getting sick and eventually having to undergo amputation of both arms and legs was tearfully told to me by Maricel with Annelly interpreting for us. She is allowing me to share her story with the hope that no other child would ever have to suffer like sweet Julianna.
When Julianna was about 9 months old, she developed what seem to be a cold. That day, mom took her to the pediatrician's office. While in the waiting room, her condition declined quickly. She became lethargic and her fever climbed. She was sent to the emergency room and admitted for a severe infection. It was determined that Julianna had meningitis and would likely pass away within a few days, despite all efforts to treat her. Mom and family were told to have a priest come since her little body was shutting down. Essentially, this was goodbye. According to mom, Julianna coded and died for a short period of time. She was resuscitated after the longest few minutes the family had to endure. Julianna kept fighting, surprising her family and doctors.
Over the course of her illness, she was admitted to 3 different hospitals, ending up at Stroger Hospital. Her condition was grave - she developed septicemia (bacterial toxins attacked her vessels) and she was no longer getting blood flow to her extremities. The only way to save her life was to amputate both of her arms and legs. After frantically wanting another opinion, making sure this was the only option, mom and dad made the decision to do anything possible to save their little girl. Julianna underwent the amputation surgery.
She is now 18 months old. The day I met her, she was just waking up from a nap. Her sweet little eyes fluttered open and she smiled for her momma. She sat on mom's lap while her story was told.
God has a plan for this little girl. She fought to live and showed us she is meant to be here on earth, with her family. The road ahead is unimaginable- she will need to navigate this life without hands and feet.
I've made a promise to Julianna and her family to help them now and for years to come. They have significant financial needs but also spiritual needs. Mom had to quit her job to care for Julianna 24/7. As you can imagine, the emotional struggle facing mom each day is so painful - she cries for her daughter and seeks God daily asking "why my daughter"? Julianna has physical and developmental therapists working with her, but would benefit from more frequent sessions. She is a motivated little girl who loves playing with her sisters and interacting with her therapists.
Please pray for this family. Pray for Julianna's progress, for the family's emotional health and for God's hand in their lives so needs can be met.
If you feel compelled to help, as I did, please consider donating with Go Fund Me.
When Julianna was about 9 months old, she developed what seem to be a cold. That day, mom took her to the pediatrician's office. While in the waiting room, her condition declined quickly. She became lethargic and her fever climbed. She was sent to the emergency room and admitted for a severe infection. It was determined that Julianna had meningitis and would likely pass away within a few days, despite all efforts to treat her. Mom and family were told to have a priest come since her little body was shutting down. Essentially, this was goodbye. According to mom, Julianna coded and died for a short period of time. She was resuscitated after the longest few minutes the family had to endure. Julianna kept fighting, surprising her family and doctors.
Over the course of her illness, she was admitted to 3 different hospitals, ending up at Stroger Hospital. Her condition was grave - she developed septicemia (bacterial toxins attacked her vessels) and she was no longer getting blood flow to her extremities. The only way to save her life was to amputate both of her arms and legs. After frantically wanting another opinion, making sure this was the only option, mom and dad made the decision to do anything possible to save their little girl. Julianna underwent the amputation surgery.
She is now 18 months old. The day I met her, she was just waking up from a nap. Her sweet little eyes fluttered open and she smiled for her momma. She sat on mom's lap while her story was told.
God has a plan for this little girl. She fought to live and showed us she is meant to be here on earth, with her family. The road ahead is unimaginable- she will need to navigate this life without hands and feet.
I've made a promise to Julianna and her family to help them now and for years to come. They have significant financial needs but also spiritual needs. Mom had to quit her job to care for Julianna 24/7. As you can imagine, the emotional struggle facing mom each day is so painful - she cries for her daughter and seeks God daily asking "why my daughter"? Julianna has physical and developmental therapists working with her, but would benefit from more frequent sessions. She is a motivated little girl who loves playing with her sisters and interacting with her therapists.
Please pray for this family. Pray for Julianna's progress, for the family's emotional health and for God's hand in their lives so needs can be met.
If you feel compelled to help, as I did, please consider donating with Go Fund Me.
Fundraising team: Julianna’s Heroes (2)
Cassie Benson Mandala
Organizer
Batavia, IL
Annelly Quiroz
Team member
