Baby Miracle Tina prior to surgery at Miami Children's Hospital

Baby Miracle was born September 1, 2007, on the island of Apia in Samoa.  Because of her many birth defects, she was not expected to survive for more than a few hours.  Nevertheless, she clung to life, and her family, determined to ensure her survival, sneaked milk to her while the doctors and nurses weren’t looking.  After receiving little encouragement from the doctors in Samoa, the parents decided to go public with her story. 

On March 5, 2008, CFC board member Dr. John Ragheb donated his expertise as a pediatric neurosurgeon to repair the meningomyelocele (protrusion of the spinal membranes and spinal cord through a defect in the vertebral column).  After the removal of this painful bulge, Baby Miracle was able to lay on her back for the very first time in her life.

On March 13, 2008, CFC board member Dr. S. Anthony Wolfe donated his expertise as a pediatric plastic surgeon and repaired her bilateral cleft, ear tags, and amniotic band on her ankle. She now has two nostrils instead of three, and her mouth no longer has the attached deformities.

In May 2008, Miracle and family returned home to Samoa to a huge welcome home celebration.