Maria Violet’s Fight for Life
On July 6, 2021 at 10:16am, Maria Violet Ali made her way into the world - beautiful as could be, wide-eyed and alive. Maria has touched the hearts of every person who has met her. From the moment her parents met Maria, they fell in love with her. Her family is so grateful to know, love and hold the baby they were told time and time again would not survive. We remain ever grateful for the time Maria has graced the lives around her with thus far.
Maria has been diagnosed with several life-threatening heart defects for which she requires open heart surgery to survive. Her parents had known about one heart defect since mid-pregnancy - two much more severe defects were discovered shortly after Maria’s birth. The surgery Maria requires will be very invasive, and her heart will need to be stopped in process. The procedures do not come without risk, but her family remains hopeful and looks forward to the day they will be able to bring Maria home.
Given Maria’s condition, she was not expected to make it to birth much less days after. Just shy of two months old, Maria continues to fight for life and persevere despite her illness. She is a sweetheart, but she is a fierce fighter.
Maria had been in excellent care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Kingston General Hospital since birth up until yesterday. At just a wee 6 lbs 2 oz, Maria has now reached an acceptable weight to undergo surgery and has since been transferred to Cardiac Critical Care Unit (CCCU) at SickKids Hospital in Toronto, ON.
Maria is expected to remain in Toronto for no less than 30 days for assessment, cardiac surgery, and recovery thereafter. She could very well be there much longer depending on how her path unfolds.
Having just arrived in Toronto less than 24 hours ago, her parents are already missing their daughter dearly and wish to be by her side to continue her fight with her during what is a terribly challenging time for their family. It is highly important that her parents are by her side for her success and longterm recovery, and even more important with the unknowns of how long she will continue her fight.
While her parents are desperate to remain at Maria’s bedside for every waking second, Maria’s parents are also obliged with the necessity to provide fair and appropriate care for their other 17 month old daughter, Diana. It is unrealistic for Maria’s parents and toddler sister to stay bound to a hotel room for upward of 30 consecutive days and will need to travel back and forth from Kingston to Toronto. Maria’s father will also need to take time away from work, but will need to travel to and from Toronto in order to maintain employment.
With gas prices skyrocketing to nearly $1.40 a litre, a single trip from Kingston to Toronto and back is upward of $100. Hotel stays range from $150-200 per night. Cost of meals for Maria’s parents and sister in Toronto would exceed $80 a day. Parking ranges from $30-40 a day. At this rate, a single trip to and from Toronto to visit Maria will cost her family no less than $350/day. This has been a huge and unforeseen financial burden on the family, which has been very stressful in addition to all other stressors surrounding Maria’s condition.
Every newborn baby should have their mother and father by their side. In Maria’s case, she needs her family by her side more than ever. Please consider donating to this very worthy cause which will greatly help Maria’s parents be there to support their beautiful newborn daughter through this challenging time. Your support will in turn allow better outcomes for Maria’s success, a faster recovery, and see her home sooner.
All funds received will be donated directly to the family. Any remaining funds or surplus following Maria’s recovery will be donated by the family to Kingston General Hospital NICU and SickKids Hospital CCCU.
Please keep Maria and her family in your thoughts during this challenging time. Thank you for your love and support.