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When her doctor told her that she was three months pregnant, Denise Miller was sure there was a mistake. As the working mother of two pre-teen children whose husband was preparing for a military deployment in Iraq, Denise was already facing many daily challenges. Add to that a high-risk pregnancy due to internal bleeding and she was suddenly overwhelmed.
Denise remained strong through her pregnancy, relaying on her faith and family to endure each day’s struggles. “My faith in God, my blood family, and my church family were my support system and they helped me,” she said. |
During her final prenatal checkup doctors learned that Denise’s child was in breech position, necessitating an emergency cesarean section. Friends and family gathered to support Denise through the surgery, and at 1:59 pm exuberantly shouted, “It’s a girl!” welcoming Natalie Marisha Miller into the world. Everyone was relived that the high-risk pregnancy was over. However, the atmosphere soon changed as Natalie did not make a sound for over a minute. Her mother instinctively knew that something was wrong.
Natalie was immediately rushed to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) for testing. Medical exams revealed a problem with her heart. Natalie was born with Transition of the Great Artery and Pulmonary Valve Atresia (TGA/PA). Atresia is a condition in which a tubular passage in the body is absent or closed. Doctors immediately performed a successful surgery to correct this condition and Natalie was able to join her jubilant family.
Unfortunately, the battle for Natalie’s health was not over. During a routine cardio catheterization, it was found that Natalie had Late Left Pulmonary Artery (LPA) Stenosis, meaning that the artery had narrowed and restricted the flow of blood. She would need a second surgical procedure and several blood transfusions to save her life. Denise was concerned that Natalie would not have the strength to endure the procedure. “I remember wondering if Natalie would be able to make through another surgery,” recalls Denise.
Natalie pulled through the surgery, but her recovery time was longer than expected. Denise’s family supported her as the hospital visit turned into many overnight stays. She remained by her baby’s side and prayed every day that Natalie would get better. Little by little, Natalie began to recover, and eventually she was discharged and allowed to go home.
But again, the fight for Natalie’s life was not over. Three days later she began going into congestive heart failure. Natalie had endured two major surgeries and two series of blood transfusions before celebrating her first birthday. She would require two more surgeries to continue her heroic struggle for life. The third procedure would be the most complicated and tedious surgery Natalie endured thus far. It would last nearly eight hours and involve a lengthy recovery period where Natalie would need supplimental oxygen twenty-four hours a day. “Natalie was bleeding from every part of her little heart and we were told that she might not make it through the night. I believe that prayer, faith, and the sacrifice of blood donors saved my daughter’s life,” says Denise.
Showing her inner strength once again, Natalie survived her third surgery and entered the recovery period. Once she had sufficiently recovered, she underwent her fourth and final surgery which was a complete success and lead to a speedy recovery. Denise was euphoric that her young daughter’s ordeal was over and that she could join her family at home. “Natalie is here today because of God’s grace, the wonderful hospital staff, blood donors through the American Red Cross and many prayers,”
Today Natalie is a five-year-old miracle. She is an extremely loving child whose special charms bring joy to the hearts of all who meet her. Her life is a testament to the support of family, the power of faith, and the generosity of blood donors. Her mother appreciates the miracle of her little girl whose conception was a surprise, whose birth was a triumph, and whose survival was heroic. “Natalie has taught me so much about life, love, and faith, and she has only been here for five years,” Denise recalls. “She is very true to her name. Natalie’s name means gift from God.” |
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