Baby faith flown out of the country thanks to Canadian couple

It was once said that faith can move mountains but only knowledge moves them to the right place. Well that statement could not ring more true than in the case of Baby Faith Ortiz who was born in early August with a birth defect. In a story aired on News Five, a tearful mother, Dina Ortiz, partnered with the local representative of the International Hospital for Children (IHC), Milagro Garel, to make a plea for financial assistance to defray the transportation costs needed to move Baby Faith to the US where she would receive free medical attention through the IHC. Tonight, we have a happier chapter to share with our viewers in the ongoing story; Jose Sanchez reports.

Jose Sanchez

Last week Thursday, Dina Ortiz was at the point of tears because she could not afford the flight that would carry her newborn to the U.S. where surgeons are waiting to save her life.

Dina Ortiz, Mother    (August 11, 2010)

“I have named the baby Faith and I gave her so that name because if she survives she will be my Faith.”

Milagro Garel, IHC Belize Country Representative (August 11, 2010)

“The condition of this child is that she was born with an incomplete esophagus and yes, we have helped two children in the past with the same condition.”

Jose Sanchez

“Is is something that is life threatening if it goes untreated?”

Milagro Garel

“Yes, totally. The baby is not able to feed and that it why they have to do a reconstructive surgery, which is not is available in the country.”

The day after the story aired, I received an e-mail from two Canadian doctors whose words helped strengthened a mother’s faith.  It read:  “Dear Jose,   Can you please provide the contact information for “Friends of Pediatrics”. My husband and I are interested in covering the airfare for the child and mother. All we need to know is the surgery date and if the charity accepts American Express or Paypal. Thank you!”

dina ortiz

Dina Ortiz

“Today we are prepared and we hope nothing turns us back.”

Jose Sanchez

“So at this point you are feeling happy about it right?”

Dina Ortiz

“Yes so far, I just hope the baby is okay. I haven’t seen her for today but I guess she’s holding on because the only thing I’ve seen much with her is she’s been suffering from hunger; she’s hungry bad and lot. Every day I come she is too hungry.”

So this afternoon, a relieved Ortiz prepared to take Faith on the flight.

Dina Ortiz

“Today we are ready for the travel for three-twenty-five today. There are other expenses but we are going through it slowly.”

Jose Sanchez

“Where are you going to take your child?”

Dina Ortiz

“We’re going to take her to the International Hospital for Children in Richmond Virginia and we’re supposed to reach today in the evening and reach there five o’clock Tuesday morning. Well, from there I guess the doctor will decide which day to do the surgery for the baby.”

Jose Sanchez

“Will it just be you and the baby?”

Dina Ortiz

“We are taking along an intensive care nurse who is trained in that area. She is going along with us but she is only taking us and she will be back and when we reach there Tuesday morning it will only be me and the baby for the rest of the two months.”

Reporting for News Five, Jose Sanchez.

Baby Faith and her mother left on an air ambulance this afternoon. We hope to keep you posted on this story as it unfolds.