The moment you hear the words “Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia” (CDH), your world is turned upside down. As a mother, all you want is to see your child grow strong and healthy, but when faced with a life-threatening diagnosis, all of those dreams seem to hang in the balance. This was my reality when I found out that my baby, Empress, had been diagnosed with CDH.
CDH is a rare condition where a hole in the diaphragm allows the organs from the abdomen to move into the chest cavity, which restricts the growth and development of the lungs. The fear and uncertainty that came with the diagnosis was overwhelming. What followed was a whirlwind of hospital visits, scans, and doctors’ appointments, each one filled with a new set of worries.
Empress’ surgery was a major turning point in her journey. The surgeon was uncertain how she would handle the trip to the operating room, considering her fragile state. The thought of sending my baby into surgery was terrifying. But despite the surgeon’s initial concerns, they were able to get her in and out of the operating room successfully, and the miracle of her survival began. From that moment, Empress showed us that she was not only a fighter but a warrior.
After her surgery, she began to make progress in ways we never expected. The days in the NICU were long and filled with moments of hope, anxiety, and fear. Each day she grew stronger, and her recovery was nothing short of miraculous. When I saw her for the first time after surgery, my heart soared. She had made it through the toughest battle of her life, and now it was time for her to show the world her strength.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Empress’ recovery was how quickly she regained stability. Her breathing improved, and she was able to be extubated just days after her surgery. The doctors had warned us to expect a slow and steady recovery, but Empress defied those expectations. By day four, she was breathing on her own, a sign of her strength and resilience.
However, even after such progress, Empress faced new challenges. She continued to require careful monitoring and treatment, as her lungs and body were still adjusting. But the medical team remained hopeful, and so did we. Day by day, Empress grew stronger.
On March 5th, Empress was finally discharged from the hospital and allowed to go home. After such a long and difficult stay in the NICU, bringing her home was the greatest joy we had ever experienced. We were so grateful to finally have her with us, in the safety and comfort of our own home. We knew the road ahead wouldn’t be easy, but we were ready to face it together.
At one year old, Empress is thriving in ways we never thought possible. Looking back at everything she’s been through, it’s impossible not to be filled with awe. She has defied the odds in every possible way, proving that even the most challenging circumstances can be overcome with strength, faith, and perseverance.
The road to recovery wasn’t without its setbacks, of course. In the early months, Empress faced issues with feeding and reflux, which we managed with careful medical supervision. But even in the face of those challenges, Empress continued to show incredible resilience. She is a living testament to the power of hope, love, and the determination to never give up.
When I look at Empress today, I am filled with gratitude. Her journey has taught me so much about the power of prayer and belief. There were times when the doctors didn’t know if she would survive, but we held onto hope. We refused to give up, and neither did she. Her strength, combined with the amazing care she received, has led her to where she is now—alive, thriving, and filled with joy.
To all the parents who may be reading this and facing a similar diagnosis for their child, my advice is simple: stay hopeful. Even when the odds seem stacked against you, believe in your baby’s strength. Trust in the power of prayer, and know that you are not alone. When faced with the possibility of termination, remember that miracles can happen. Your child deserves a chance at life, and with love, hope, and faith, anything is possible.
Empress is proof that no matter how difficult the journey may seem, miracles do happen. She has shown us that no obstacle is too great to overcome, and that with love and determination, anything is possible. Watching her grow and thrive every day is a reminder that life is precious, and that we should never take anything for granted.
Looking ahead, we know that Empress’ journey is far from over. While she has come so far, we continue to take each day as it comes, celebrating every milestone along the way. She is a miracle, and we will continue to fight for her every step of the way. We are forever grateful to her amazing surgeon and the entire medical team who helped make this possible.
As we celebrate Empress’ first birthday, we reflect on the incredible journey she’s been through and the incredible strength she has shown. We will forever cherish her and her story, and we will continue to advocate for hope, strength, and the belief that miracles do happen.
