Chapters Transcript Video Second Opinions and a Heroic Mother Lead to Second Chances at Life Adeline Garza was born at just under 24 weeks and £2.08 ounces and she was given a two week life expectancy. I remember that day, like if it were yesterday and she was born and um, I think it was just like so scary. I remember they were like, be prepared. She could come out and cry and just pass like we didn't think she was gonna survive. Adeline was born with severe cerebral palsy kidney disease that would require a transplant and developmental disabilities something. Her 19 year old mother, Lilia was completely unprepared for sometimes I was like, Oh my God, I'm just not worthy to do this. But no, like the mother, you're like, I felt like I was losing my childhood and this mother was coming inside of me. So I said, no, I'm going to fight for my child and fight. She did. Adeline was in and out of hospitals, but her mom says she was happy. The family celebrated milestones and went on vacations, determined to give Adeline the best possible life. But two years ago, her hell took a turn. Adeline developed neuro muscular scoliosis or severe scoliosis, a common effect of cerebral palsy and was in excruciating pain. Her mom says her daughter's brightness diminished. It happened so fast. I didn't process how fast Adeline was declining and she was struggling to breathe. Her body was working extra hard. It was caving in and out. It was heartbreaking. Adeline needed surgery but it was so risky. Doctors were not confident until the family met cedars, Sinai orthopedic spine surgeon Kenneth Illingworth and Adeline is mom and family. And Adeline had been through so much and they had been through so many other providers trying to get this particular operation for her that they came in knowing exactly what they wanted And knew that she couldn't go on with the way she was in terms of quality of life, that a risky, huge surgical procedure was really the only option for them for her going forward. Illingworth says Adeline, severe scoliosis was impeding her breathing and her ability to sit at Allen's curvature was around 105°. And when you have a curve that is that big, essentially as it curves over 100 degrees or even over 90 degrees, it starts to compress the chest and actually causes severe restrictive lung disease. After six hours in the operating room. Dr, Illingworth surgery was an immediate success. And Adeline woke up pain free in terms of Adeline quality of life after surgery, it was greatly improved her pain that she had pre operatively was essentially completely resolved and was able to sit in her wheelchair for entire day without any significant discomfort. I think that if I didn't do the surgery, I would have been signing her death certificate, there's nothing you're going to tell me that I can and cannot do with for my child. That if you're not gonna tell me, you know what I'm going to figure out another way today. Three months after her surgery. Adeline is bright Spirit is back, thanks to an experienced medical team and a mother's fight for her daughter's health. Created by
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