"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, June 19 2013 10:14 PM EDT2013-06-20 02:14:32 GMT
At approximately 2:45pm Wednesday afternoon, a bank robbery occurred at the National Penn Bank on E. High Street in Pottstown, PA. Police have captured three of the fours suspects so far.
At approximately 2:45pm Wednesday afternoon, a bank robbery occurred at the National Penn Bank on E. High Street in Pottstown, PA. Police have captured three of the fours suspects so far.
Monday, June 17 2013 8:44 PM EDT2013-06-18 00:44:29 GMT
South Philly neighborhood parents are so worried about cars speeding down their street while kids are at play that they installed their own speed bumps.
South Philly neighborhood parents are so worried about cars speeding down their street while kids are at play that they installed their own speed bumps.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 10:32 PM EDT2013-06-13 02:32:43 GMT
A man and a woman have been arrested for robbing homes of grieving families as they attended funerals. The two heartless suspects were caught during an unrelated traffic stop in Franklin Township.
A man and a woman have been arrested for robbing homes of grieving families as they attended funerals. The two heartless suspects were caught during an unrelated traffic stop in Franklin Township.
Thursday, June 20 2013 5:46 AM EDT2013-06-20 09:46:20 GMT
Another spectacular weather day with mostly sunny skies and low humidity. Temperatures top off in the lower 80s. About ten degrees cooler at the shore, with a sea breeze.
The stickies will come back just in time for summer.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:14 PM EDT2013-06-20 02:14:32 GMT
At approximately 2:45pm Wednesday afternoon, a bank robbery occurred at the National Penn Bank on E. High Street in Pottstown, PA. Police have captured three of the fours suspects so far.
At approximately 2:45pm Wednesday afternoon, a bank robbery occurred at the National Penn Bank on E. High Street in Pottstown, PA. Police have captured three of the fours suspects so far.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:19 PM EDT2013-06-20 00:19:58 GMT
Breaking news in North Philadelphia on the 2300 block of North Tenth Street, where three people, including a pregnant woman, were shot. This happened just before four this afternoon.
Breaking news in North Philadelphia on the 2300 block of North Tenth Street, where three people, including a pregnant woman, were shot. This happened just before four this afternoon.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:11 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:11:57 GMT
If you hated going to traffic court in Philadelphia, you won't have to anymore! Today, Governor Tom Corbett signed a bill abolishing traffic court,effective immediately.
If you hated going to traffic court in Philadelphia, you won't have to anymore! Today, Governor Tom Corbett signed a bill abolishing traffic court,effective immediately.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:57 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:57:28 GMT
A main line mascot gets the boot. At issue: cultural sensitivity.It's an issue that's been playing out on athletic fields all over America: re-thinking team names and the mascots that go with them.
A main line mascot gets the boot. At issue: cultural sensitivity.It's an issue that's been playing out on athletic fields all over America: re-thinking team names and the mascots that go with them.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:47 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:47:02 GMT
City administration officials came before a City Council committee with orders not to talk about the building collapse, but that didn't stop council members from raising questions.
City administration officials came before a City Council committee with orders not to talk about the building collapse, but that didn't stop council members from raising questions.
