Mila's Miracle Journey

Thank you so much for reading this... I'm Rebecca, and as a friend of the Groce family, and as a friend who has witnessed their unwavering love for their children, I am reaching out to you, our extended family, friends, and community to consider helping them during this difficult journey.

I spent a few hours "browsing fundraisers" on GoFundMe over the last few days. On the other side of every click, there are the stories of other children and families. Children and families who are suffering. Children and families who have been blindsided by medical emergencies of every kind. Children and families given the news of rare syndromes, tragic accidents, progressive illnesses, and terminal diagnoses. Perhaps the most tragic part of humanity is the reality that the smallest, most delicate, and only innocent versions of our species are seemingly randomly selected to endure life's most difficult and painful challenges. For those of us who have been thus far spared from that reality, but know the immensity of what it feels like to love a child, how can we not empathize with every child and family behind each story?

This is where baby Mila Jolie's story begins. July 19, 2023, at UCLA, in an ordinary city, on an ordinary day, Mila entered this world and yet it was anything but ordinary. As Mila attempted to take her first breaths in this world, her entrance turned into a medical emergency. Baby Mila was unable to breathe on her own. In addition, Felicia (mama) experienced a terrifying hemorrhage. Luckily, Felicia's skillful OB was able to save her life. For baby Mila, the reality of this story is that upon her first precious moments in this world, she faced immediate challenges. The diagnoses revealed a series of health issues, each one presenting a unique hurdle for this precious little soul.

The Diagnoses: Mila's medical journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. She has been diagnosed with several complex conditions, including micro and retrognathia with joint adhesions. This means that Mila has a small, pushed-back jaw, obstructing her airway, requiring oxygen support for breathing, and making it impossible for her to feed orally. She is currently being fed through a nasogastric (NG) tube. In addition to her struggle with something as vital as breathing and eating, she has a hiatal hernia, bilateral hearing loss, a small heart defect, and hydronephrosis.

While the last three conditions are currently being monitored, Mila's immediate challenge lies in the first two. After spending a month in the NICU, two days in the PICU, and another three weeks in the step-down unit at UCLA, Mila was transferred to Stanford to undergo a groundbreaking treatment known as Orthondontic Airway Plate (OAP) therapy.

A Chance at Hope: The moment that changed everything was when Lou found an article about the OAP therapy. This incredible alternative to surgery offered the possibility of a better and less painful treatment plan for Mila. With unwavering determination and the fierceness of a mother, Felicia sprang into action to ensure that Mila could be considered for this life-changing treatment. Fortunately, Mila was accepted, and they airlifted her to Stanford on September 12, 2023.

The Ongoing Journey: Currently, Mila and the Groce family find themselves in the Intensive Care Nursery (ICN) at Stanford. With loving dedication, Felicia has basically been living at Mila's bedside on each step of this journey. Foregoing the opportunity to heal at home after her traumatic birth experience, pumping breastmilk for baby Mila every few hours, and painfully missing her 2-year-old, Isla and her family being together. The family is so grateful that Lou's employer has been so supportive through this journey, but as expected, Lou had to return to work. Today, Felicia and Lou's life is a carefully orchestrated ballet between their home in Bakersfield and the hallowed corridors of Stanford, with Felicia residing with Mila during the week, then they exchange roles on weekends. They have been doing all they can to find the delicate yet impossible balance between staying by Mila's side so she is not alone and providing as much consistency and presence for Mila's big sister, Isla.

While Mila has already shown signs of progress, the road ahead is long and filled with challenges. They remain hopeful, but they still need the support of their village, which includes you—dear family, friends, and extended circle of the Groces.

How You Can Help:

We understand that everyone has their own financial commitments, but any contribution can make a difference, no matter how big or small. Your contributions will help cover growing medical bills, continued commuting expenses (a 4.5-hour drive one way), food, and upcoming costs such as medical supplies, follow-up appointments, and ongoing medical care for Mila. We understand that times are tough for everyone, and your support means the world to the Groces.

Let us rally together and show the Groce Family that they have a village of support, standing by them during this challenging time. Together, we can help ensure that Mila receives the care and attention she needs to grow stronger every day. Thank you for being a part of Mila's journey and her village. Your generosity and love are deeply appreciated.

As a final note from the Groce family:

We would like to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the friends and family who have already reached out to us, offering support in various ways. We don't know what we would have done if we did not have the support we have received. We are so grateful that our daughter Isla (Mila's amazing big sister), has been able to spend quality time with Rebecca and her family since day 1 of this journey, often spending 4-5 days a week as part of their family during Lou's working hours, or during traveling exchanges between the two of us. We are also thankful to the girls' grandmother, Ellen, who has traveled to Bakersfield from Illinois to spend part of the week with Isla, and to offer support at home in many ways over the last few weeks. We are so thankful to all of you who are in our support network. Your love, prayers, and assistance have been a lifeline during these challenging times. Thank you.