Supporting Sienna

On Thursday, September 28th, a trip to the Doctor for illness for Kim and Joseph Cortes' 7 month old beautiful baby girl Sienna turned into every parent's worst nightmare. Sienna was diagnosed at the hospital in Marietta, GA with a triple infection of Covid, RSV, and Adenovirus. Unfortunately, what was already serious acute respiratory illness for an infant, was only the beginning. This led to a chest x-ray, that led to a (false) diagnosis of pneumonia. Sienna needed Pediatric ICU (PICU) care, and the only available bed in the region was in Chattanooga, TN, 1.5 hours away! Sienna was life-flighted there, while Kim followed behind by car, and Joseph cared for their toddlers Simon (3 yrs) and Sarah (22 months) at home.

The doctors in Chattanooga were concerned the X-ray was abnormal for pneumonia, and ordered a CT scan. That scan came back showing a mass near one lung, and another near the adrenal glands/kidney. This news was devastating for the Cortes family.

After a winding road between 3 different hospitals in 2 states, Sienna finally ended up at the AFLAC Cancer and Blood Disorders Center and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Sienna now starts the journey with her parents by her side, and big brother Simon and big sister Sarah anxiously awaiting their family to be back together everyday.

The Cortes family's needs will be many on the difficult road ahead. They need your prayers and good thoughts. They need your support by lending a hand. While caring for Sienna and her medical care and treatment, Simon and Sarah will also have many needs. The financial strain will be significant as they face travel to and from the hospital, the need for additional childcare, home care, and unanticipated or uncovered medical costs.

Volunteers do not necessarily have the time, but they have the heart. With great gratitude, thank you for your donation. Please continue to pray for Sienna and the Cortes Family as they beat this childhood cancer.