Ramiro’s Journey
“Meet my beautiful son, Ramiro Giovanni Gutierrez.
At just 11 weeks pregnant, we learned that Ramiro might have Trisomy 18. The NIPT test showed a 91% risk, and from that moment on, I began preparing for both his life and the possibility of his death. I took maternity photos and tried to cherish every moment of my pregnancy. During that time, I learned everything I could about Trisomy 18 and how to support my baby, with guidance from Journey of a Lifetime. My greatest wish was simply to meet him alive.
The pregnancy journey was incredibly hard. We had countless appointments and many difficult conversations about the abnormalities seen on his ultrasounds. We celebrated every small victory…every moment things didn’t get worse, every heartbeat we heard. Due to suspected congenital heart defects and the potential need for surgical intervention, we temporarily relocated three hours from home so he could have the best care at the top children’s hospital in the state.
Against all odds, and despite what doctors expected, he was born alive.
Ramiro spent his days in the NICU and CICU with family always by his side. At first, all interventions were denied, but I advocated fiercely for him. Eventually, he was offered the care he needed. Doctors began to see him as a baby, not just a diagnosis. Ramiro was a fighter. He proved the doctors wrong, and they were amazed that he made it to day 20.
On November 26th, my sweet boy passed away in the comfort of my arms from complications of his heart that affected his lungs.
His middle name, Giovanni, means “God is gracious” and He truly is. God allowed me to meet my son. I am blessed to have received exactly what I prayed for. I was given 20 days of beautiful memories and precious milestones. He will always be my little miracle.”
Mother of Ramiro
