"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.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:49 PM EDT2013-05-22 03:49:33 GMT
You'll never believe who is dancing circles around these people. Meet the Allentown-area lady with the fancy footwork that leaves her disciples breathless!
You'll never believe who is dancing circles around these people. Meet the Allentown-area lady with the fancy footwork that leaves her disciples breathless!
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:13 PM EDT2013-05-22 03:13:58 GMT
Helmeted rescue workers raced Tuesday to complete the search for survivors and the dead in the Oklahoma City suburb where a mammoth tornado destroyed countless homes, cleared lots and claimed 24 lives.
Helmeted rescue workers raced Tuesday to complete the search for survivors and the dead in the Oklahoma City suburb where a mammoth tornado destroyed countless homes, cleared lots and claimed 24 lives.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:04 PM EDT2013-05-22 03:04:07 GMT
Bucks County EMT Bryan Elwell is heading out to Oklahoma to help assist overwhelmed emergency responders dealing with the deadly tornado aftermath in Moore, just outside Oklahoma City. He's prepared
Two local EMTs are headed to Oklahoma to help victims and crews dealing with the aftermath of a deadly tornado.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:08 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:08:36 GMT
Police in Lancaster say they've detained two men in an investigation prompted by a woman's call to 911 from the trunk of a car to report that she had been abducted by strangers.
Police in Lancaster say they've detained two men in an investigation prompted by a woman's call to 911 from the trunk of a car to report that she had been abducted by strangers.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:59 PM EDT2013-05-21 23:59:26 GMT
A man was critically injured Tuesday in New Castle by an explosion that happened while he opened an antique army ammunition box he picked up from his neighbors trash.
A man was critically injured Tuesday in New Castle by an explosion that happened while he opened an antique army ammunition box he picked up from his neighbors trash.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:01 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:01:25 GMT
Police sources say the two incidents now under investigation took place at Houston Hall, a student center and lecture hall, on Spruce Street in the heart of the University of Pennsylvania campus.
Police sources say the two incidents now under investigation took place at Houston Hall, a student center and lecture hall, on Spruce Street in the heart of the University of Pennsylvania campus.
