LDL. Miracle Baby Janie Rose Celebrates Her First Birthday After a Year of Extraordinary Courage
Centerville, Alabama — One year ago, little Janie Rose Clark entered the world facing overwhelming medical challenges. Born on January 8, 2025, Janie was diagnosed with Down syndrome and a serious congenital heart defect, conditions that would immediately put her tiny life in danger.
At just three weeks old, Janie underwent open-heart surgery at Children’s of Alabama. What followed was a terrifying battle for survival. After surgery, Janie went into cardiac arrest, and doctors performed CPR for an incredible 34 minutes. To keep her alive, she was placed on an ECMO machine, which took over the work of her heart and lungs while her body struggled to recover.
The powerful life-saving measures came with heartbreaking consequences. Blood flow complications caused severe tissue damage, leading to the amputation of Janie’s right hand, three fingers on her left hand, and several of her toes. She also developed a serious wound on her right leg.
Yet through it all, Janie kept fighting.
In November, when she was just ten months old, Janie underwent another major heart procedure. Doctors repaired a hole in her heart and replaced her pulmonary valve — another life-saving step in her long journey.
Then something remarkable happened.
When Janie was finally able to return home, her parents, Jake and Chasity Clark, began to see a dramatic change. Away from hospital machines and surrounded by love, Janie started to thrive.
“As soon as Janie arrived home, she improved by leaps and bounds,” her mother Chasity said. “She was full of life and learned to roll over and sit up.”
Perhaps the most emotional milestone came when Janie tasted food for the first time.
“She took a few swallows of vanilla yogurt,” Chasity shared. “It was the first time she had eaten any type of food.” Janie normally receives nutrition through a feeding tube, making the moment even more special.
This week, Janie reached a milestone few thought she would — her first birthday.
The celebration was not just about cake and balloons. It was about resilience, hope, and a baby who refused to give up.
Janie Rose Clark is home. She is growing. And her future, once uncertain, now shines brightly.
She is, without question, a miracle.
