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At their first ultrasound appointment a few weeks later, Jay and Amy got to see the baby and hear his heartbeat. Then they were told some very disturbing news. The doctor said the ultrasound technician saw that the baby had gastroschesis, a disorder where the baby's insides develop outside of the abdominal cavity. This is a very serious condition and it requires the newborn baby to have to stay in the ICU for many weeks, and undergo several corrective surgeries, without being held or nursed.
Although Jay and Amy were very upset and sad about this diagnosis, they were grateful the complications with Baby Sam weren't more serious. They both said "We can handle this. It could be worse, we are thankful for our baby" and they prayed for his health often, but they hesitated to tell anyone about the pregnancy because of this complication.
In the midst of their prayerful journey, Jay and Amy learned that the relics of Saint Gianna Beretta Molla were coming to Holy Spirit. They had never heard of her before, but soon learned Saint Gianna's story and realized this was truly divine intervention.
Saint Gianna lived from 1922-1962, and was an Italian pediatrician, wife and mother. When she was pregnant with her fourth child, she was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in her uterus that threatened her life and pregnancy, and required surgery immediately. Gianna refused both an abortion and a hysterectomy, despite knowing that continuing with the pregnancy could result in her death. Gianna had an operation and subsequently a very difficult pregnancy, but carried her baby to full term. Gianna said "If you must decide between me and the child, do not hesitate: choose the child-I insist on it. Save the baby." She died only seven days after giving birth to her daughter, Gianna Emanuela. Gianna was canonized in 2004 and is a patron saint for mothers, physicians, and unborn children.
Jay and Amy came to church to see and touch the relics of Saint Gianna. Amy held Gianna's glove on her belly and prayed for Gianna's intercession. They bought a necklace which Amy wore constantly, and holy cards, and waited.
Then the miracle occurred. One week later, during a very long and tense ultrasound appointment, the neonatologist finally announced that everything with Sam was within normal range- there was NO longer any sign of gastroschesis. Amy's pregnancy progressed smoothly, and Sam was born May 7th in perfect health and is truly our miracle baby. This family is so blessed, and Jay and Amy are thankful to Saint Gianna for her intercession. They wanted you all to hear this story today as witness to the power of faith and prayer.
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