Hope

Hope was born with a rare genetic condition and a need for a heart transplant. Initially, doctors reported that Hope was making progress and plans were underway for her to transfer to a Chicago hospital for the delicate procedure. Unfortunately, Hope’s condition declined with the discovery of additional complex medical issues including a cancerous tumor. Her parents and her medical team then decided to focus on providing her with comfort care. Despite these immense challenges, her parents have done everything possible for her and affectionately describe Hope as “tiny but a fighter.” They have surrounded themselves with a dedicated network of, what her mom refers to as: “prayer warriors.” These loving warriors are her family members who live afar in California, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. A very special warrior is Hope’s grandmother, who lives in the Philippines and was planning to visit when Hope was home from the hospital. However, because it’s assumed that she will never make it home, her parents have made “home” the few feet that surrounds Hope in the hospital and their wish was to get her paternal Grandma here as quickly as possible. We made the arrangements immediately and just days later, Grandma braved a typhoon and hopped on a plane to MSP. Since then, she has been instrumental in comforting her son and daughter-in-law and extending her loving touch to this precious baby girl. Hope loves to stare at her and revels in Grandma’s love and we are extremely grateful that we have been able to make this heart wrenching wish come true.