This story truly begins with Alexia: a 31-week old preemie, 2.5 pounds of pure grace and the spirit of a warrior. Despite being born in one of Guatemala’s best hospitals, due to her small size and additional complications, the recommendation across the board was, “Take her to the U.S.” Many calls to children’s hospitals across the country, and one ambulance plane later, they were relieved to arrive at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, in St. Petersburg, Florida. This is where Andrik & Michelle came into their own as parents, and where they not only watched their daughter survive, but more importantly thrive.

For Andrik, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital felt like a safe haven for his family where the doctors and nurses were as invested in Alexia’s well-being as he was. Being told, “She is yours,” provided him with the possibility for a close connection with his daughter, and the confidence to become her safe place. For Michelle, coming from a hospital where she was not allowed to touch her baby, to one that encouraged hours of parent-child skin-to-skin contact, was a return to sanity. Like these examples, there are a million more. They both credit their Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital team in large part for Alexia’s full recovery. The difference in care, guidance, and support they received as a family was like night and day. They were fortunate to have the possibility of taking Alexia out of Guatemala, knowing full well that many others cannot.