Nicolly Pereira, a 2-year-old from Brazil, who was unfortunately born deaf and blind can now hear and see!
The toddler had been diagnosed with pediatric glaucoma, an eye disease that affects one in 25,000 babies. Glaucoma often occurs when the eye pressure is too high and the optic nerve gets damaged, leading to vision loss.
In glaucoma, the eye is able to make the required fluid but is unable to efficiently drain it out, causing unwanted pressure, according to the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS).
Post the miraculous surgical procedures carried out in Miami, Florida, the little girl's eyesight and hearing have been restored.
"She was blind, and now she sees," said Dr. Alana Grajewski, of the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute's pediatric center, part of UHealth-University of Miami Health System. "She could not see light at all in one eye, and she could barely see light in the other eye."
In an ardent bid to restore her sight and hearing, several surgeries have been performed on Nicolly previously in her hometown, Brazil, but to no avail. Finally, the little girl traveled all the way from Brazil to Miami for this life-altering surgery, and the results have been nothing short of a miracle.
Diana Pereira, the toddler's 26-year-old mother, raised about $20,000 for the corrective surgeries via Facebook and the International Kid's Fund. International Kid's Fund is an organization that offers funding for life-changing medical care focusing on children who need it.
"This all happened thanks to social media," said Carolina Diago of the International Kid's Fund.
Pereira's joy knows no bounds over this amazing outcome.
"The only word that can be used to describe the feeling is 'God,'" remarked the mother.
Her little girl can now see and hear her!
"My daughter is free now. She now shines more than before. She has now become a reference for people who didn't believe in miracles," added Pereira.
Photo: Bernardo Chaves | Flickr
