Nayeli's Story
When Liz tested positive for the Zika virus, she was four months pregnant. She feared the worst. Then she turned to Children’s National Hospital. From the Zika virus to COVID-19, here’s how you help our experts stay ahead of crisis…
Liz says, "The Zika Program nurse practitioner at Children's National understood the urgency of my situation. She helped me sort through referrals and travel from our home in Texas. Within a week, the same nurse practitioner greeted us in person at the hospital. She held my hand through each appointment.
"A panel of doctors reviewed sonogram images of my baby for what seemed like hours. They had great news: She was small, but developing properly. I'll never forget the moment that Dr. Sarah Mulkey, the fetal neurologist, said my baby had 'beautiful brain tissue.'
"We returned to Texas with a tremendous amount of relief, a wealth of information and a powerful team behind us. A few months later, Nayeli was born. Her name means "I love you" in the language spoken by the Zapotec Indians of Mexico. She has been back to visit her team at Children's National three times. She's almost 2 years old and can already count to 10.
"Before we came to Children's National, we cried a lot of tears. Now, no matter what the future holds for Nayeli's health, I know her team won't quit on us."
When a health crisis changes life as we know it, your generosity is critical. Friends like you helped us respond to the Zika virus and care for patients like Nayeli. Today, we're counting on donor support to stay ahead of the COVID-19 pandemic.
We're working around the clock to keep our patients, families and caregivers safe. From screening patients to providing care and answers to families' questions, your continued generosity helps us stay focused and deliver the best possible care in uncertain times.
You’re helping patients like Nayeli grow up stronger. Thank you!