Hello everyone,
My name is Cameron, and I want to share the story of my beautiful, strong niece, Sophia Elora, and her loving parents, Arianna and Harrison.
Arianna and Harrison are two incredibly loving and devoted people who couldn’t wait to welcome their little girl. Our entire family was overjoyed and eagerly awaiting Sophia’s arrival.
During pregnancy, Sophia was diagnosed with fetal growth restriction (FGR), meaning she wasn’t growing as expected in the womb. Arianna was scheduled to be induced in mid-October, but Sophia had other plans! Her water broke before the scheduled induction, and after approximately 24 hours of labor, Sophia made her grand entrance via C-section at 38 weeks, weighing 5 pounds, 2 ounces and measuring 19 inches long.
Shortly after birth, Sophia needed breathing assistance, and doctors noticed some concerns, especially with her eyes. She was transferred from Little Company of Mary to Comer Children’s Hospital, where she remains in the NICU. Harrison accompanied Sophia while Arianna recovered from her C-section, and their little family was reunited a few days later.
Sophia continues to undergo testing, including genetic testing, as doctors search for answers. Her right eye did not fully develop, and her left eye has a cloudy lens, leaving her with only light perception. Sophia is expected to be blind. Doctors are considering a high-risk surgery on her left eye, and she will need a prosthetic (glass) eye on her right side, along with ongoing procedures and specialized care throughout her life.
Sophia is also facing challenges with her breathing and feeding. Her lungs are not fully expanding, and doctors are adjusting her oxygen support and considering CPAP. They are also investigating possible gastrointestinal concerns, temporarily pausing her feedings, and providing nutrition through an IV (TPN). A more stable IV line, called a PICC line, is also planned to support her care.
Despite these challenges, Sophia continues to show incredible strength. Her neurological examination went well, and she passed her hearing test! She especially loves hearing her mommy and daddy’s voices.
If there’s one thing I know for certain, it’s that Sophia couldn’t have been blessed with two better parents. Arianna and Harrison have shown incredible strength, love, and dedication. Sophia truly has the parents she was meant to have.
Sophia has a long journey ahead, both inside and outside the NICU. We created this GiveSendGo fundraiser to help ease the financial burden of her ongoing medical care, future procedures, and specialist appointments.
But above all else, we are asking for prayers. Prayers for Sophia’s strength, healing, and growth, for protection against infection, and for wisdom and guidance for the doctors making important decisions about her care. We also ask for prayers for Arianna and Harrison as they navigate these uncertain days.
Whether you donate, share her story, or simply keep Sophia in your prayers, our family is incredibly grateful.
Sophia may be tiny, but she is surrounded by endless love, and we have so much hope for her beautiful future.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for supporting and praying for our sweet Sophia Elora. 💗
