A Scots family have told of their devastation as their toddler fights for her life in a hospital 40 miles from their home.
Parents Cristian-Stefan and Lonelia, both 32, had their lives turned upside down after their daughter Maria’s flu-like symptoms quickly worsened, leading to the tot being placed into an induced coma.
The couple, from Edinburgh, initially took the 15-month-old to their doctor’s surgery after episodes of vomiting, but she was later admitted to critical care.
She appeared to respond well to treatment at first, but deteriorated quickly after developing fluid in her lungs.
On Saturday, March 30, she was transferred to a hospital in Glasgow where her worried parents were given the devastating news her heart was considerably enlarged on the left side, leaving it too big for her body.
They were told one of the few possible courses of action was a heart transplant. However, this could be challenging due to Maria being so young and small.
They are now preparing to spend several months in hospital so she can undergo treatment, but are unsure what the future may hold.
Speaking to our sister title Edinburgh Live, Cristian-Stefan said: “Maria was vomiting very regularly and had flu like symptoms. We took her to the family doctor in Slateford and within one hour she was seen by a critical care doctor.
“My wife and Maria have been in the hospital ever since. There is still hope her heart will recover by itself but it will take a lot of time in hospital and she will need to be well looked after. The timing plays such an important role in all of this.
Medics have placed Maria in an induced coma, and her mum Lonelia has remained by the tot’s side the entire time.
The devastated dad has stayed at their home in the capital to look after their three other children and visits his baby and wife as often as possible – although the journey requires an 80-mile round trip by car.
He said: “We don’t know what the future holds but we know she will be in intensive care for a very long time. She needs medication for at least around five months.
“We just can’t believe this has happened to her. She was a really happy child. Of course, I barely sleep but I just feel like I am going to wake up from a really bad dream. It’s the definition of a living nightmare.”
Cristian-Stefan is now preparing to leave his job as head housekeeper at an Edinburgh hotel to support his wife and is hoping to raise money to help his family through this challenging period.
He added: “Although there is no money in the world that can pay for her health, any money will be used to support us and all the journeys we are making to Glasgow and back.
“Soon I will have no option but to leave my job but it just isn’t possible for my wife to be at the hospital 24/7 every day – I need to support her.
“After leaving my job, I don’t know how I will pay for rent, the car or housekeeping needs. My wife is absolutely devastated, I barely get three words from her because she is in total shock.
“I am trying to be the strong one for my family. Right now, I am still going to work and the kids have to go to school.
“I am so scared. Maria is a fighter, and she needs time and a chance to continue. We are looking at a long and difficult journey.”
You can donate to the family’s fundraiser here.