Our journey with Cora began in September 2018, when we found out we were expecting. We found out through a blood test on November 5, that we were expecting another baby girl. We were so happy and excited. But on January 31st, 2019, during our anatomy scan, the radiologist said. The heart does not look normal and that moment our whole life.
A few days later, doctors at Swedish Hospital in Seattle gave us the diagnosis: HLHS (Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome) and a Diaphragmatic Hernia. They told us that with both conditions, our baby would not survive. We were heartbroken. That day, during lunch at Cheesecake Factory Derek came up with the name “Cora. He liked it because it sounded like Corazón which means heart in Spanish. I cried; it was perfect.
We transferred our care to the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital. The insurance took me more than 3 weeks to approve transfer. When we finally had our appointment, we got some good news: they ruled out the hernia. She had a chance. We were so thankful and hopeful.
The rest of my pregnancy was filled with tests and monitoring. My induction was scheduled for May 22nd, but it had to be delayed because of fungal contamination in the operating rooms at Seattle Children’s. Then, two days later, we found out we had to transfer to a hospital in Portland. I was taken there by ambulance on May 27th.
On 28th may Cora was born in early morning, she was 6 pounds, 15 ounces. She came out pink and crying. She had lots of hair, a pleasant dimple, and beautiful blue eyes. We were in love.
In her first few days, Cora had many tests and needed medicine to keep a heart vessel open. She had apnea spells that were terrifying to watch. After 24 hour of her life she face her first open heart surgery. Seeing her afterward was heartbreaking. Her chest was still open, and she was pale and swollen.
Her big sister Chanel got to meet her on May 31st. She called her “Baby Cora” and loved visiting her every day. She went through more treatments, took more medicine, and we had some hopeful moments. But her struggles continued.
On June 10th, she was put on ECHO, a machine that took over her heart and lung function. She had a second heart surgery the next day. We prayed constantly for healing. Cora showed signs of strength; she opened her eyes again, took a pinky, and responded to our voices. For a few days, we thought she was improving.
But then things got worse. She experienced seizures, her body swelled more, and new problems came up.
Her team told us she might not survive. We prayed for answers. We thought about transferring her back to Seattle, but in the end, we realized we needed to just hold her and be with her.
We said her goodbye on June 27th,we dressed her like little princess packed her body, our heart was broken. With a lot of affection and love, she died in our arms.
Though her life was short, Cora gave us so much. She taught us about love, faith, and strength. We will love and remember her forever.
