Praying for Harper
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On January 17, 2015 the Candelaria family faced a tragic accident when their youngest daughter, 19 month old Harper, was found unconcious in a spa. She was in full respiratory failure and cardiac arrest at the time Paramedics arrived. Harper was clinically dead for over 20 minutes. Once revived, she had no pupil dilation or reflexes. She was placed on a ventilator and machines were keeping her alive. Her condition was critical. Doctors didn't expect her to live through the night- let alone have hope for any positive recovery.
The week that followed was a rollercoaster, but being the strong-willed girl she always was, Harper's physical condition improved and she became stable enough for an MRI to be performed. Unfortunately, that MRI showed that she had suffered a severe diffuse anoxic/hypoxic brain injury (significant damage all over her brain). The neurologist told her parents that she would most likely need a tracheotomy and be ventilator dependent. That she would have severe handicapps and that she may even be in a minimally conscious state for the rest of her life. But Harper's parents and their community of supporters refused to accept his reality. Hope and prayers from all over the world were abundant. On day 9 her breathing tube was removed and she was able to breathe on her own! But she was not "out of the woods" just yet and remained in the hospital for a total of 6 weeks. She had a g-tube placed for nutrition. She began posturing or "toning" which was a sign of how severe her injury was. She suffered from severe "neuro-storms" and was on an extremely heavy cocktail of medications which made assessing her cognitive ability nearly impossible.
Harper was discharged to an inpatient rehab facility where her medication weaning began. Within weeks Harper was recognizing and smiling at her parents and 3 older siblings. She was following and tracking with her eyes and showing some miraculous signs of improvement. Harper went home 3 months later, coincidentally on her 2nd birthday. She was able to eat purees by mouth, had some head and trunk control and had purposeful, on command movement in her arms and legs. She is full of joy and personality. Many prayers have been answered and it's only just the beginning!
Harper is fighting- with an army of people around the world hoping and praying for a full return of all physical and cognitive functions. And there's more that can be done. Jeremiah and Cheryl are exploring all their options of medical interventions and therapies. Many of which are not covered by insurance. Harper is currently getting 6 days a week of different therapies. The family is often driving 150 miles per day! If you are able to financially come alongside the Candelaria family at this time, your gift will help them with basic needs like gas and meals and most of all- Harper's current and future medical expenses.
All financial gifts made to South Hills Church will be tax deductible and given to the Candelaria family. If you are a corporation wishing to make a tax deductible donation, please contact [email redacted].
If you'd like further updates on Harper's progress, please visit: facebook.com/prayingforharper . Thank you for your support in this time. We believe in miracles. Join us in praying for one.
South Hills Church
2585 S. Main Street
Corona, CA 92882
The week that followed was a rollercoaster, but being the strong-willed girl she always was, Harper's physical condition improved and she became stable enough for an MRI to be performed. Unfortunately, that MRI showed that she had suffered a severe diffuse anoxic/hypoxic brain injury (significant damage all over her brain). The neurologist told her parents that she would most likely need a tracheotomy and be ventilator dependent. That she would have severe handicapps and that she may even be in a minimally conscious state for the rest of her life. But Harper's parents and their community of supporters refused to accept his reality. Hope and prayers from all over the world were abundant. On day 9 her breathing tube was removed and she was able to breathe on her own! But she was not "out of the woods" just yet and remained in the hospital for a total of 6 weeks. She had a g-tube placed for nutrition. She began posturing or "toning" which was a sign of how severe her injury was. She suffered from severe "neuro-storms" and was on an extremely heavy cocktail of medications which made assessing her cognitive ability nearly impossible.
Harper was discharged to an inpatient rehab facility where her medication weaning began. Within weeks Harper was recognizing and smiling at her parents and 3 older siblings. She was following and tracking with her eyes and showing some miraculous signs of improvement. Harper went home 3 months later, coincidentally on her 2nd birthday. She was able to eat purees by mouth, had some head and trunk control and had purposeful, on command movement in her arms and legs. She is full of joy and personality. Many prayers have been answered and it's only just the beginning!
Harper is fighting- with an army of people around the world hoping and praying for a full return of all physical and cognitive functions. And there's more that can be done. Jeremiah and Cheryl are exploring all their options of medical interventions and therapies. Many of which are not covered by insurance. Harper is currently getting 6 days a week of different therapies. The family is often driving 150 miles per day! If you are able to financially come alongside the Candelaria family at this time, your gift will help them with basic needs like gas and meals and most of all- Harper's current and future medical expenses.
All financial gifts made to South Hills Church will be tax deductible and given to the Candelaria family. If you are a corporation wishing to make a tax deductible donation, please contact [email redacted].
If you'd like further updates on Harper's progress, please visit: facebook.com/prayingforharper . Thank you for your support in this time. We believe in miracles. Join us in praying for one.
South Hills Church
2585 S. Main Street
Corona, CA 92882
Organizer
Cheryl Candelaria
Organizer
Corona, CA