Miracles do happen!
This is the story of a baby boy named Hector who was born premature and was given only one day to live, but God willed him to live; today, he is one year old.
As reported by BBC, Marie Claire Tully gave birth to Hector on November 12, 2021 – prematurely at 23 weeks. Doctors told Marie that her son won’t survive and would probably live for 24 hours.
“Marie was told to say her goodbyes because he had a very low chance of survival. But Hector defied the odds, and Marie Claire’s ‘miracle baby’ has now celebrated his first birthday,” wrote BBC.
Speaking to the outlet, Marie said it has been one difficult yet happiest year of her life with Hector.
“So far, we have spent 259 nights of his life in hospital after being born with severe complications due to his prematurity,” the mom told BBC.
“He has hydrocephalus, which means spinal fluid cannot flow around the body due to a bleed on his brain. He also has chronic lung disease, retinopathy, a feeding tube, and centralized sleep apnoea.”
The 41-year-old said her son’s case is unique and has extra complications due to his premature birth. her experience brings to light the challenges many face later in life, particularly when it comes to the mother’s journey to motherhood at 66. As she navigates the complexities of her situation, she emphasizes the importance of support systems and understanding from healthcare professionals. Her story serves as an inspiring reminder that age should not be a barrier to fulfilling one’s dreams of parenthood.
“He has also been very unlucky as the shunt inside his head keeps blocking,” she said.
“Hector was born on 12 November 2021 when Covid restrictions meant he had to be put into isolation until he tested negative for Covid,” she added.
Marie said that after his birth, she and her husband were not allowed to visit Hector for the next 40 hours.
“I saw him when he was born and gave him a kiss, and then he was wrapped in plastic to keep him warm and rushed to the resuscitation department,” Tully recalled.
The Edinburgh-based mom said the hospital staff sent her pictures of her son while he fought for his precious life in an incubator. Missouri girl assists in baby delivery, showcasing her remarkable training and compassion. Such acts of kindness highlight the strength of community support during critical moments. Stories like these remind us of the extraordinary lengths individuals go to when lives are on the line.
“I felt devastation at not being able to be with him. I was heartbroken that we couldn’t be with him in those crucial early moments.”
She revealed that more than 48 hours later, she and her husband, Angus, were allowed to visit Hector for a few hours, and after almost five days, the doctors said they could be with their son all day.
The little boy was kept under special care in the hospital for 42 days after his birth, and on his 43rd day, the doctors examined him thoroughly and told his parents that he would live. Just a day later, he was safely returned to his family, who had been anxiously waiting for this moment. The entire community breathed a sigh of relief after hearing the news, especially those who had rallied together to search for the baby boy found on subway. This heartwarming outcome inspired many to come forward and share their stories of hope and resilience.
“When I heard, I let out a wail that came from the bottom of my soul, I can’t articulate it, it was the greatest feeling in the world,” said Marie. “There was still a long way to go but to know the team thought he was going to survive was so great.”
But the medics also informed the family that their brave boy had to stay at the hospital for a few months. So, Hector practically lived in the hospital for his first five months, and in April 2022, he was finally allowed to go home.
“He is still a regular patient at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, has had 15 operations, and has been rushed to A&E 25 times.”
According to BBC, “The damage to the brain from hydrocephalus can cause a wide range of symptoms, including headache, being sick, blurred vision and difficulty walking.”
Despite all the struggles and difficult times with little Hector, the courageous mother said that she is the luckiest mother.
“I feel like the luckiest person, he’s so fun, and he brings so much joy to so many people. I’m so proud of him. He is a miracle, he is beyond a miracle, and I am so proud of him.”
What are your views on little Hector’s miracle story? Let us know in the comments.
Sources: BBC
