McKinney, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) – This is a remarkable COVID-19 survival story in North Texas.
A new mother has an emotional reunion with the doctor that not only saved her life, but also the life of her unborn child.
The two survivors, looking into each other’s eyes, are making room in this heartwarming moment despite being up against either side.
Josie was born on Christmas Day to a mother who spent 93 days in hospital with COVID-19 while pregnant.
Of them, forty three days remained in coma and one month on ventilator.
Doctors at Medical City McKinney said he had never had such a condition.
“I had to decide to put him on a ventilator to give him a fighting chance,” said Dr. Dara Otu, MD, pulmonologist and ICU doctor.
Ariel Romero wasn’t enough to be inspired in her pregnancy.
Her husband, Joseph Romero, was told to be prepared to lose both.
“There were so many scary moments where we didn’t know if it was hit or miss,” Joseph said.
Ariel came out of her coma, but had to rebuild her body, inspired she says, by the new feeling of a baby kicking inside her.
“I had a girl who gave me peace and I was like ‘Okay, the rest doesn’t matter,'” she said.
Ariel and Josie Romero(Credit: Medical City McKinney)
Ariel was able to show Josie to the doctor who pulled off a medical miracle.
“You know there were times when the baby wasn’t growing as fast as it should be, but you know we talked about it, we were always hopeful,” Dr. Otu said.
,Joseph filled me with a lot of what happened and what if. We had a very scary conversation, ”said Ariel.
Josie weighed slightly at birth, only 5 pounds 9 ounces, but otherwise healthy and celebrated her 1-month-old birthday on Tuesday.
Her mother’s doctor says this story should encourage expectant mothers to get vaccinated that was not aerial.
Not only did the hospital handle her most challenging delivery ever, but they also gave the mother a baby shower.
“I’m just grateful that they fought for us and did everything they could to keep not only me and not only us but both of us here,” Ariel said.
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