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Michaela Is Two Sweet
After beating the odds of her diagnosis, Michaela and her family desperately wanted to celebrate, but plans were delayed for two years because of COVID-19.
Doctors didn’t expect sweet Michaela to survive birth, but she has beaten the odds and is now celebrating her second birthday. Continue reading to discover how Michaela and her family overcame a terminal diagnosis during COVID-19 lockdown.
Not Too Sweet
Michaela’s mother, Abaigeal, was overjoyed to learn she was expecting. Like many mothers, she was looking forward to meeting her beautiful baby. Everything was going according to plan until her 18-week anatomy scan.
Abaigeal walked into the clinic that day with high hopes and excitement, but those dreams were dashed when doctors diagnosed her baby with holoprosencephaly. This disorder is caused by the embroyonic forebrain failing to divide into two separate lobes. This results in an underdeveloped brain and severe skull and facial defects. Michaela’s doctors told her mother that she would most likely not survive birth.
A Spoonful of Sugar
Despite the diagnosis, Abaigeal persevered through the pregnancy. She was not able to have a baby shower because of the problems and COVID restrictions, but she didn’t give up hope. She looked forward to the day when she would be able to celebrate.
Without family or friends, Michaela’s parents celebrated her birth in the delivery room as they were able to hold their precious baby in their arms. She had beat the odds! And each additional day they had with her was a gift.
A “Two Sweet” Celebration
Michaela was able to celebrate her first birthday party, but again without family or friends because
of COVID-19. Finally, Michaela was able to celebrate her second birthday, a day that marked her first victory over her diagnosis, with family and friends who were able to meet her for the first time. The moment was “two sweet” for words.
Michaela’s mother, Abaigeal, describes the experience.
“This incredibly beautiful, fun, and delicious cake made my daughter’s second birthday party as special as it deserved to be! We felt so blessed to be able to have a second birthday party for her and finally share her with family and friends.”
Michaela’s family recognizes the importance of support from family and friends. Click the link below to find out how you can share the Icing Smiles story in your local area and help families like Michaela’s learn about Icing Smiles.
Share the Icing Smiles Story
Help increase awareness in your local area and show your personal support for Icing Smiles with a Sugar Angel Smile Pack. Each pack comes with a T-shirt, a logo patch, and a window cling.
