Support Marina and Baby Emmanuel's Fight Through Trisomy 18

Quick Summary

My name is Edwin Santos, and I’m supporting my aunt, Marina, whose baby boy, Emmanuel, was born with Trisomy 18 (Edward’s Syndrome). This rare condition causes severe developmental delays and is typically fatal within the first year. Baby Emmanuel has already defied the odds, surviving past two weeks, but he faces numerous challenges ahead. After an inadequate experience at Fairfax Hospital, Marina is now transferring Emmanuel to The Children’s Hospital in Washington, D.C., where we have hope for his survival. Baby Emmanuel will require extensive medical care, including surgeries, and, Marina is unable to work due to the constant care Emmanuel needs. The emotional and financial strain of covering day-to-day expenses like gas, food, and the cost of medical treatment is overwhelming, and any support would help alleviate this burden. We are raising funds to help cover medical expenses and provide financial stability during this difficult journey. Your support will give Baby Emmanuel the best chance at a future, and we are deeply grateful for any contribution.

You can alternatively send your donations via the following:

CashApp: $Emman010825

Venmo: Emman010825

(please specify “for Baby Emmanuel”)

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Full Details

Hello Everyone,

My name is Edwin Santos, and I’m helping my aunt through a very difficult situation. Marina recently gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, Emmanuel. Emmanuel was diagnosed with Trisomy 18, also known as Edward’s Syndrome.

This condition causes severe developmental delays due to an extra chromosome 18. Edwards Syndrome has no treatment and is usually fatal before birth or within the first year of life.

Studies have shown that only 50% of babies carried to term will be born alive. The median survival among live births has varied between 2.5 and 14.5 days. About 90% to 95% of babies do not survive beyond the first year, with many living only a few days.

We are blessed that baby Emmanuel, born on January 8th, 2025, has already defied statistical odds and made it past two weeks. However, it has been a tough battle, and the road ahead seems even steeper.

Marina had a very difficult experience at Fairfax Hospital in Virginia, to the point where the medical staff pressured her not to pursue further treatment for her baby boy and neglected to give baby Emmanuel the special attention he needed due to his condition. After noticing the lack of care and the doctors' and nurses' unwillingness to fight for the baby’s life, Marina and our family became suspicious and began our own research.

We discovered that Fairfax Hospital does not have the capacity to properly treat children with Edward’s Syndrome, and as a result, the staff was likely just waiting for the baby to die.

We are now in the process of transferring baby Emmanuel to The Children’s Hospital in Washington, D.C., where we have faith that God will use the medical experts to change baby Emmanuel’s life.

I’m coordinating this fundraiser for my aunt because she will not be able to work for the foreseeable future. She has been spending her entire days at the hospital. Given the uncertainty of what’s next, the commitment required for surgeries, numerous doctor’s appointments, and the delicate care needed to raise a child with Edward’s Syndrome, any financial support would be a tremendous help to Marina.

This situation is also taking a heavy emotional toll on Marina, as well as a significant financial strain. In addition to the medical costs, which can vary as time progresses, she faces the daily challenges of having to stop her life to care for Emmanuel—covering gas to commute to the hospital, and providing food and essentials for herself during this difficult time. The support received will help relieve some of the weight of these burdens, allowing her to focus on caring for her baby.

Emmanuel will require extensive medical attention. He needs to undergo multiple surgeries, including heart surgery, and as we know, medical care can quickly become a large financial burden on anyone.

Unfortunately, Edward’s Syndrome is not a "one-size-fits-all" condition. Every child develops uniquely, so much research, time, and medical attention are needed to determine the best treatment plan for baby Emmanuel.

Baby Emmanuel is among a very small and rare percentage of children with Edward’s Syndrome who are born alive, and even more remarkably, who survive past a few days after birth. We believe God will continue to sustain his life, and we are eager to fight for him as well. We appreciate any support you can provide this family in need, as it will greatly help stabilize Marina and significantly increase the chances of baby Emmanuel growing older.

Please share this with as many people as possible, and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Blessings,

Edwin Santos

On Behalf Of

Marina and Baby Emmanuel