Julia's Journey

Our daughter Julia was born on May 4, 2007. An hour after she was born, we learned that she had congenital heart defects. We knew that she faced at least 2 surgeries in the near future. We did not know that we were embarking on a journey that would lead us to NC Children's Hospital.

Julia spent 181 days at NC Children's in 2007. She underwent 4 heart surgeries before she was 5 months old. She spent about 4 months in the PICU on a ventilator. Rob and I went day by day, trading days and nights between the hospital and our home in Raleigh, where our 2 year old daughter waited and wondered where her baby sister was. We had no idea last fall if we would ever be a family of 4. It was a very dark period in our life.

Julia fought and won, thanks to the tireless work of the men and women who work at this wonderful facility. We made it home in Dec 2007 and have not looked back. Julia is now 18 months old and is thriving. Other than her scar, you would not know the struggle she went thru. We are a normal, busy family with 2 toddlers, thanks to NC Children's Hospital.

I would encourage any parent who has a healthy child to give any amount that they can. Be very thankful that your child is home and healthy but be grateful that this wonderful facility exists should your family ever need their services.

Happy Thanksgiving and good health to all, especially the kids!

Rob, Kimberly & Julia Diokno