About Gia

Gia was born prematurely (30 weeks) in September, 2000.  Gia was a molar twin, a very unusual type of pregnancy (a molar pregnancy is not very rare, but with a viable fetus is extraordinary).  It was a form of a cancer with, at the time, only 19 documented cases.  She weighed in at 3 pounds 14 ounces and was breathing on her own!  She was born in the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, and within a few days she was transferred to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.  She was diagnosed with CF shortly after birth.  She had surgeries to repair a PDA and jejunal artresia.  She spent three months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, a week in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and a week on the pulmonary floor before (finally!) coming home!   

She spent most of the next three years at home.  She frequently visited the CF center as well as other specialists.  Subsequent hospital admissions include: adjustment of diuretics, umbilical hernia repair and a virus that quickly provoked a lung infection and a recent liver biopsy.  Home IV and/or oral antibiotics are used whenever possible to avoid hospital stays! 

Gia's liver enzymes were always high and being watched closely.  Her liver was (and still is) abnormally large and a liver biopsy was done shortly after birth.  No pertinent findings were reported.  Since the enzymes were falling closer to the normal range, Actigal was prescribed and the liver was monitored by physical exam only.  During the recent transfer of this case to A.I. duPont Hospital for Children, the enlarged liver and elevated liver enzymes were investigated thoroughly.  The cause is hepatoblostoma and she is currently being treated with chemotherapy.  She will then need surgery to resect the tumor, possibly even a transplant. 

Gia is happy and appears very healthy.  It is hard for many people to believe that there is anything wrong with her.