Miracle Baby: How One Family’s Worst Fears Were Transformed

When Erica Jones from the U.S. was pregnant with her baby girl Abigail, she and her husband Stephen received the worst news any new parents could face: "The doctors told us not only would Abigail be born with Down syndrome, but she also had a terminal brain tumor and would likely be stillborn. They suggested I terminate the pregnancy, but I couldn't bring myself to do it."

After the initial shock, pain, and sorrow, the heartbroken parents began planning the funeral for their daughter, who had yet to be born. "I knew it had to be a farewell ceremony after her birth, something very personal. To do it in the way one properly says goodbye to a loved one," Erica shared with local news.

Despite the dire predictions, about a week before the due date, the parents sought a second opinion from Dr. Alan Cohen at the local hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. "A primary look at Abigail's brain showed a tumor, yet we felt there was not enough evidence to declare a death sentence," Dr. Cohen explained.

When Abigail was finally born, every doctor was astonished. Not only was the tumor completely removed from her brain, but Abigail continued to develop against all odds.

"Dr. Cohen managed to remove the tumor entirely from her brain, and in no way did she resemble a dying infant on the brink of losing her life," Erica recalled. "She was eating, gaining weight, and looked fantastic."

Now, the family shares Abigail's story on a special Facebook page to inspire women who may be going through a similar experience and to encourage them to make the right decisions. "We are grateful to Dr. Cohen and everyone who supported us during these past months, and without a doubt, it is a miracle. It's as if our Abigail was born anew, despite and in defiance of all the grim expectations," she concluded.