Emiliano is a sweet and happy 3-year-old little boy. He loves being outside, playing with colorful toys (especially those that rattle), and loves his family. He is referred to as a daddy’s boy.
Emiliano was born a few weeks early and stayed in the NICU for two days. After those two days, his vitals looked great, and his family was discharged to go home.
One day, when Emiliano was around one month old, his mom noticed he started turning deep blue and he looked to be having a seizure. He was rushed to the emergency room and doctors intubated him.
Once Emiliano was incubated, he was emergency airlifted to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland.
While in Portland, Emiliano was diagnosed with epilepsy (seizure disorder), visual impairment, global delays, and dysphagia (low muscle tone).
Emiliano is currently enrolled in early intervention and is on a daily seizure medication. He also receives eye therapy, physical therapy, and feeding therapy. The goal is to get him to eat on his own.
Emiliano will continue to visit many doctors as there are still some unknowns about his full medical condition. Emiliano does show signs of being cognitively delayed and was just recently diagnosed with cerebral palsy and fitted for his first wheelchair.
It has been a long three years for Emiliano and his family and there have been some scary moments filled with worry. However, they are all learning this new normal and how to live in the moment. Emiliano’s mom says, “he is our little angel, and he has a reason and purpose in life.” She hopes her son’s story will remind others that they too have a reason and purpose.
Emiliano will be adopted as the Sparrow to Talent Elementary School. Talent students will work hard to earn money for Emiliano through sponsored community service.
