"It's been extremely hard," Wendy Parker says her five month old daughter is a miracle baby. Elaina Faith was born June 6th, almost three months premature when Wendy suffered severe liver failure.
"Doctors said the baby's got to come out now," said Wendy. Elaina's entry into the world was traumatic and even worse mom soon found out her precious baby girl couldn't see.
"I thought hearing that I almost died was hard. I thought hearing that she was going to have to stay in the hospital was hard but to hear that she is blind has been an extremely hard pill to swallow."
In the midst of this whirlwind, Wendy also lost her job. She said, "It haunts me. I've never had to pick and choose what bills I want to pay and I don't sleep." Her medical bills were already near $30,000. Then she learned of a doctor in Michigan who could perform a surgery on her baby's bright blue eyes. There's a 50% chance it could give her some of her vision. The surgery is an attempt to reattach her retinas. Elaina had the first surgery this week. The second is in December and there will be more. But mom doesn't know how she will be able to afford it plus the cost of airfare and hotels. What she does know is she'll do everything she can to give her daughter a chance to see. She's leaning on faith.
"I have never prayed so hard in my life," sobbed Wendy.
Family and friends are hosting a benefit to help Wendy afford her daughter's surgeries. It's Friday November 23rd. For more information on tickets or how to donate, search "Benefit for Baby Elaina's Eyesight" on Facebook. Or your can call Nicole Shepman, a family friend at 610-969-5784.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 6:47 AM EDT2013-05-15 10:47:08 GMT
"They just keep buying time. It's 60 days here and 60 days there. It's a small victory," said Brian Hathaway. He's one of hundreds of residents who left a meeting at Garnett Valley Middle School hesitant
Neighbors say developer that withdrew application to build is a stall tactic.
Friday, May 10 2013 7:37 AM EDT2013-05-10 11:37:01 GMT
Gregg Wolfe, like most parents, always thought he would look back on precious moments, like receiving Father's Day cards, with a smile. But instead he's fighting back tears.
Gregg Wolfe, like most parents, always thought he would look back on precious moments, like receiving Father's Day cards, with a smile. But instead he's fighting back tears.
Friday, May 10 2013 7:16 AM EDT2013-05-10 11:16:07 GMT
Heroin is killing young people at an alarming rate. And, parents, you think you'd recognize the signs. See what two grieving families missed until it was too late.
Heroin is killing young people at an alarming rate. And, parents, you think you'd recognize the signs. See what two grieving families missed until it was too late.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-19 11:58:46 GMT
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Sunday, May 19 2013 1:45 AM EDT2013-05-19 05:45:51 GMT
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery.
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery's website.
Saturday, May 18 2013 9:28 PM EDT2013-05-19 01:28:06 GMT
Rain moved in Saturday afternoon and the chance for it will stick around through the seven day forecast.
It becomes very unsettled across our area with clounds and showers again Sunday. The best chance for rain is in the morning and afternoon thunderstorms are possible towards our south.
Sunday is cool but we do warm up well into the 80s by Tuesday. With the warm weather comes a better chance for thunderstorms.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:44:01 GMT
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:38 PM EDT2013-05-17 23:38:13 GMT
A woman who lived with a Delaware pediatrician accused of waterboarding her 11-year-old daughter has agreed to plead guilty to child endangerment charges and testify against him.
A woman who lived with a Delaware pediatrician accused of waterboarding her 11-year-old daughter has agreed to plead guilty to child endangerment charges and testify against him.
