The 2-month-old toddler, who continues to be the heart of national and international attention in her quest for survival, needs a miracle rather the learned hands of doctors. The summary of medical opinion during the week on Baby Miracle Tina Julie Nanai of Falelatai, suggests she is medically a lost cause. The official medical position leaned more towards the healing of the family trauma, through counseling, rather than holding out hopes of a cure for the baby. Health Minister Gatoloaifaana Gidlow, was at pains to point this out, as the handling of the case by the National Health Services, agitated public opinion. Gatoloaifaana strongly denied the perceived reluctance by Government to send the child over to New Zealand for specialized treatment. “Money is not an object if it means saving a life, but you have to
draw the line somewhere,” Gatoloaifaana says. “Government has to rely on medical opinion and in the case of Baby Miracle, the prognosis gives her very little chance of survival.” The responsibility of advising Government is the job of the Chief Executive Officer of the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital. Dr. Stanley Dean. “If this case came through the committee I chair I will deny it,” Dr. Dean revealed in his capacity as Chairman of the Medical Screening Committee that approve patients for overseas treatment under the Government $8 million funded health programme. An estimated $200 thousand will be needed to put the child through any medical process for recovery. “The guidelines for sending a patient for overseas medical treatment requires that the treatment is not available here and that the person can survive a minimum of 2 years,” he added. “New Zealand on the other hand will only agree to help with the costs if the chances of the patient is a minimum of 5 years, so we are slightly better off with our local programme.” The severely deformed young patient is the unfortunate one out of a thousand babies, born with the condition known to doctors as ‘anencephaly’. “This is a defect where the baby is born minus most of her brain and without the top part of the skull,” says Dr. Stanley Dean, “Baby Miracle’s top part of the brain is covered over by skin and any bumps to the head could be fatal for her, there are other serious complications.” The risks of meningitis and heart failure are also very high, according to Dr. Dean. The defect originates in the early stages of the mother’s pregnancy, “roughly 21 to 28 days after conception ….where the head end of the neural tube fails to close properly, it results in the absence of the major portion of the brain skull and at times scalp,” according to medical literature. The plight of Baby Miracle has however turned controversial as efforts by the Survival Foundation to send her to New Zealand for specialized medical attention, fell into disarray during the week. Promises of a free flight on PolyBlue and of doctors in New Zealand giving her the medical attention she needed, did not happen as initially publicized. As Newsline was putting this story together, uncertainty continues to surround the proposed trip for Baby Miracle who was supposed to be in New Zealand already. Unfortunately, the hopes of any New Zealand doctor taking up corrective surgery on the baby as publicized, are remote. Specialists at the Children’s Starship Hospital in Auckland have ruled out any chances of medical help. Another charity organisation, The Thorn Ministries, announced that it is on standby to work with the Survival Foundation to save the baby with plans to send her to America. Thorn Ministries representative in Samoa, Ms. Carol Ah Chong, has confirmed they are already in the process of looking for medical possibilities available in the USA. “We’ve been working with Ms. Kirsten Taylor (American based Thorn Ministries representative) to see if any hospital is willing to take in Baby Miracle, but only if efforts by the Survival Foundation fall through,” Ms. Ah Chong says. Seeking medical attention for children with birth defects is old ground already covered by the Thorn Ministries with successful results. They were however not successful with one of their young patients with a similar condition as Baby Miracle, who died before they could take him over.

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Comments (19)

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Baby Miracle
written by Lani, November 14, 2007

She really needs to be brought to the US for treatment and a 2nd opinion.

Baby Miracle
written by Faauliulito Tuala Tamaalelagi-Isaako, November 15, 2007

I've contacted the Board Chairman of Utah-Operation Smile Team name Mr. Michael White in the United States about Baby Miracle's situation, and have informed me himself that they are looking into this case through websites and stories I've sent him. The Operation Smile Team is now out to lend a helping hand to families of children with cleft palate and cleft lip- sort of facial deformities. So, he will be in contact with me soon or hopefully better yet, hoping the team will be in contact with the Survival Foundation about this matter.

Ia Manuia fuafuaga uma o lo'o feagai ai ma i latou o lo'o i ai le loto fesoasoani.

FTT-Isaako

baby miracletina..
written by tasi chenier, November 18, 2007

When I first read about this story, it brought tears to my eyes to see such tragic on this little angle, but what this family needs right now, is to come together and united the whole family thru prayers and fasting, this is the only way and a hope for a miracle, I ma a strong christian and I believe in my heart, that with finding a DR. right now and the work of faith thru prayers and fasting, a huge miracle frm Heaven with be done in this little angle...to the parents of miracletina, stay strong and focus to God only, instead of trying to have the story out to the public for any attention, but stay strong and fast, I know the nations has seen this and they are also praying...we love you baby miracletina and your family, and may God bless you always..godd luck and get well soon. love tasi...usa.

baby miracletina..
written by tasi chenier, November 18, 2007

to the family of baby angle......GOD LOVES YOU, AND WILL PRAY FOR YOU...GET WELL SOON, YOU ARE VERY SPECIAL AND BEAUTIFUL...TASI.

Mr
written by Davies Smith - Auckland, November 19, 2007

I totallyl disagree with the bottom bit of your article above. The organisers for Miracles Appeal in NZ are organising Miracles trip to NZ. They have secured 2 Doctors in Wellington who are waiting to treat Miracle. The organisers have set up a website for her, www.babymiracle.co.nz.
May I also explain that the bit with Polyblue is also not written correctly! A member of Survival Foundation in Samoa, Ame Sene, approached Polyblue for some assistance with fares, and was told that they will see what they can do but no gurantee. They told her that it's a 4 week process and has to go to Management in Australia. However, it seemed too long when things were getting prepared for Miracle, thinking that the visas were going to be approved staright away...not knowing it would be an issue, but, another member of Survival Foundation by the name of Mary, went publicly announcing the day for the trip, when they are still waiting for visas. So now, still waiting with the NZ Immigration. Again, all these info are on Miracles website.
thank you

:( death opposer!! : }
written by vine moresi, November 19, 2007

THS BB GURL NEED DA TREAMENT REEO BAD N 1 F33L R33Ly SORRy F0R H3R HAV1NG 2 D33L W17H 7HIS PR081EM :{

God will cure!!
written by Roselynn Von Dincklage Lalaga, November 29, 2007

I felt so sorry for what happened to baby Miracle. I believe that one day, GOd will washed away the tears from the parents eyes.. Pls, take her to God's hands and He will help!! i love you baby Miracle....

tears..
tons of love and kisses from meeh to you..

GOD will take care you.
written by Niko, November 29, 2007

I look at baby Miracle,I believed that one day GOD will help her,There nothing just happen,they have a reson.but nobody known,own our father in haven,we all just take her to GOD hands and help her.I love you baby MIRACLE

Baby Miracle ;
written by Cordelia Matagiufeagaimaleata Mamea, November 30, 2007

OMG; I am so sorry for what happen to Baby Miracle. I know one day God will do something good to this Baby. Baby Miracle and Her parents will always be in our Prayer. and I am so so so sorry for what happen to baby miracle. Pls, take her to God;s hands and he will help !! i love you Baby Miracle.
lots of love and kisses form me to you ;

Alofaaga mo Baby Miracle
written by Taefu's Family (Falelatai), December 10, 2007

O galuega mamana a le Atua e maofa uma ai le lalolagi aua foi e leai se na te mafaia o ana galuega ,Ia manuia lava lou tuputupu ae Miracle ia fesoasoani ma taitaiina pae e le Atua le lou ola matou te alolofa uma lava mo oe

Taefu Suavaga Mua ma le Fanau

it's terrible
written by weronika, December 29, 2007

I'm from Poland and today I was reading about Miracle in newspaper. I'm very disgusting a pose of local doctors. I belive Miracle will be healthy and everithing will be good! To best wishes! KEep Smile

Gods Healing
written by Vaesavali Vaiuta Steffany, January 30, 2008

Well, so sad to look at you baby Miracle with the struggle and suffering that you went through within four months, I do believe that God already heals you baby.....Don't worry you are already being taking care by God's Grace, if not you would not brought out to this world safe and alive.

I will always remeber you in my prayers since I have two daughters of my own....I love you in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior!

You are very beautiful and lovely....

BABY MIRACLE
written by kawika, January 31, 2008

I'm at awed of the blessings of our Heavenly Father for this MIRACLE BABY CHILD. I faithfully read all the write ups concerning this child and her situation. Now it's on to months still living after all the doctors in Samoa's diaognosis and their instructions not to feed the baby for she wouldn't last a week or so. Question is who are we to say such a statement. It goes to show and reminds us not to lean on our own understandings as Job of the old testament so stated. To the parents and all those who are on the teams of trying to do something good for Baby Miracle, I salute you in all your efforts, and may our Father In Heaven bless you all for the goodness in your hearts. My family and I are praying for a miracle and that the parents of Baby Miracle and family be streghthen in their resolve to do all they can to help their Miracle Baby. Through the combined prayers of the nation and all of the Samoans world wide, may we also add ours to yours and our fast so what ever be the answer from our Father In Heaven will be HIS will be DONE and not ours or theirs (so experts). I am also greatful to see my friend Joe Keil's picture on the observer trying to do his part in this matter. Let us all lay our faith and combine prayers and fasts into the hands of the SUPREME FATHER IN HEAVEN WHO HOLDS THE KEY ON ALL THINGS. REMEMBER UNLESS WE BECOME LIKE CHILDREN WE WILL NOT MAKE IT TO HIS DOMAIN. GOD BLESS YOU MIRACLE BABY

D.J. KAWIKA

disgusted with the pastor in australia
written by Shane Thompson, January 31, 2008

I read an article and a letter to the editor by observer regarding a pastor in australia, and I have to agree with the letter posted on observer, and the editorial "who is lying here"...
Pastor Mireta is using Gods name in vain, when others are working really hard to do all they can to assist this baby. I knew from the begining when I heard of this congregation and what this Pastor was trying to do, because she went ahead and publish her story on NZ Herald confirming that they were flying baby Miracle to australia, but haven't confirm anything...What she should have done, is to arrange everything first before releasing going to the media...but from this point forward, she wanted to be known first before. So from that article, I knew what she was up to and what a SHAME!!
I myself and my family salute all those who are working hard out to help baby Miracle!! Thumbs up to the 3 organisations that are working together to have flown to the US...OUR BLESSINGS ARE WITH YOU ALL THE WAY!!!
S.Thompson

Good Luck on your first operation
written by vaesavali vaiuta steffany, March 18, 2008

I am so grateful to read on the news that baby Miracle is going to do her first operation sometimes this week. Wish you luck baby Miracle and to all the Doctors.........I will continue on praying for you and may the presence of the Lord will flow upon you now and forever until you will get better and come back home safely...


Once again I love you with all my prayers

Savali and Frank and family in Fagasa American Samoa

BABY MIRACLE
written by SALLY, March 18, 2008

WHEN I FIRST SAW BABY MIRACLE STORY TEARS CAME DOWN MY EYEYS I WAS REALLY TOUCHED BY HER STORY AND WHAT THE FAMILY HAD TO GO THRU AND BABY MIRACLE HAD TO SUFFER.. THEN I HEARD SHE ALREADY HAD HER 1ST SURG ON HER BACK AND NOW SHE GOING FOR HER FACE. BABY MIRACLE YOU ARE IN GOOD HANDS... IN OUR HEAVENLY FATHER HE WILL GUIDE YOU AND PROTECT YOU AND BLESS YOU THRU YOUR SURG OUR BLESSING GOES OUT TO BABY MIRACLE AND THE FAMILY.... ESPECILLY THE ORGANISATIONS AND THE STAFF FOR PUTTING THERE TIME AND EFFORT..MAY GOD BLESS BABY MIRACLE AND FAMILY.

Good Luck Baby Miracle!!!
written by J.McMoore, April 17, 2008

Bless your heart baby Miracle! May the good Lord continue to guide and bless you and the rest of your family; doctors in progress for your operations, organizations, and everyone for your continuous prayers for baby Miracle. Our prayers are with you! Good luck and we love you!

God is big
written by nzder, April 19, 2008

The last time I heard about this little angel was when The Samoa Post was telling a story about baby Miracle would be sent to America but, the top article is saying that she is supposed to be in New Zealand. According to the description from the doctor above the only hope for her is thru a miracle as this defect will have very slim chance. BUT GOD IS BIG HE CAN FERFORM MIRACLES THRU PRAYERS.

What is going on to baby Miracle right now?
written by CHANTILLY, May 13, 2008

WHAT IS GOING ON TO MY SIS MIRACLE IS SHE FIND OR WHAT I JUST WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPEN NOW TO HER, BUT ME AND MY FAMILY WERE PRAING AND TELL GOD TO HELP BABY MIRACLE FOR HER SAVING BACK HOME. MAY GOD BE WITH YOU BABY MIRACLE INTO PRAYERS.

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