Meet Gabriel! Isn’t he just the most precious little doll baby? When you see him now, you might think, “What’s the big deal? He looks so healthy.” And yes, today he is, and that’s nothing short of a miracle.
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But this little guy’s journey has been anything but easy, and his family has endured so much along the way. Gabriel’s momma and I have been connected for quite some time now.
She’s one of the sweetest people you’ll ever meet, constantly thinking of others, checking in on baby Lane and even me, making sure that we’re doing okay. She is a rock, and her love for Gabriel shines through every word she says and every action she takes.
Never Miss a Word Again
These discrete, rechargeable hearing aids deliver crystal-clear sound and advanced noise cancellation. Perfect for watching the news, busy restaurants, or family gatherings.
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Gabriel’s story is one of perseverance, love, and fighting against the odds. When you hear his momma’s words, you’ll understand just how hard their journey has been, and why it’s so important to show them some love and support.
Here’s a glimpse into Gabriel’s journey, in the words of his momma:
“Hi! This is Gabriel. He is 23 months old now, but it feels like a lifetime of love and challenges packed into his short life. We found out about Gabriel’s heart condition when I was 19 weeks pregnant, and it completely changed the course of our lives. From that moment, we were closely followed by high-risk specialists until the day he was born.
Never Miss a Word Again
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Gabriel is my fourth baby, and I remember his birth like it was yesterday. It was long and traumatic, happening at 1:45 a.m. My sweet little boy weighed 6 pounds and 3 ounces, and he was born without crying, which immediately filled me with dread. Just 12 minutes later, he coded. His tiny body couldn’t handle the shock, and the medical team worked tirelessly to bring him back. That’s when his real fight began.
Gabriel was diagnosed with Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE), a condition where the brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen. They placed him on cooling therapy to try and protect his brain, but that was just the beginning of a very tough road. Along with the brain injury, we discovered Gabriel also had Atrioventricular Valve Regurgitation (AVVR), a severe heart defect. The doctors were blunt—they didn’t think he would survive surgery. He was placed on the transplant list and had two near-death experiences (nec) during his first few months.
Despite all the grim news, Gabriel defied the odds. He was finally moved to a “dormant” status on the transplant list when he showed signs of improvement. We were able to bring him home, but life wasn’t easy. Gabriel had to be fed through an NG tube, and we monitored his oxygen levels with a pulse oximeter. The only goal we had at that point was simple—feed him and let him grow.
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At 5 months old, Gabriel underwent a G-tube procedure to help with his nutrition. But the real turning point came on February 23, 2023, when Gabriel had his first open-heart surgery. It wasn’t easy, and there were some setbacks along the way, but Gabriel proved just how strong he is. His resilience astounds me every day. He amazed the medical team with his recovery and is now at home, enjoying life with his family.
However, our journey isn’t over. Gabriel has another heart catheterization scheduled for November 22nd, and we don’t know what the future holds. He may need more surgeries, or even a heart transplant, but I am so incredibly grateful for every single moment I get to spend with my little boy. Gabriel has taught me more about love, strength, and faith than I ever thought possible. I hold onto every precious moment with him, knowing how hard we’ve fought to get here.
I want to thank everyone for their love and support throughout this journey. It’s been a long road, but Gabriel has come so far, and I am beyond proud of him. He is my little warrior, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for him, no matter what challenges come our way.”
Gabriel’s journey has been a rollercoaster of emotions, and it’s far from over. His momma’s love, strength, and determination to give him the best life possible are truly inspiring. Every day is a gift, and they cherish each one. As Gabriel continues to fight, we ask that you send all your love and prayers their way.
While Gabriel is thriving at home, the path ahead is still uncertain, and every bit of support makes a world of difference. If you’re able to help this family, there are ways you can contribute to their journey. Gabriel’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and he is truly an inspiration to everyone who hears his story.
To support Gabriel’s family, you can send donations through Venmo at: correna-stevens.
Let’s show Gabriel and his amazing momma some love as they continue their fight. Every moment with this sweet boy is a miracle, and we’re so grateful for the love and support from all of you. Thank you for being a part of this journey.