Super Sophia Joy

Super Sophia Joy

Washington

On October 22, 2010 a very special, Extraordinary TinySuperhero was born named Sophia Joy. At five days old, she was diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Then, in 2012 she was diagnosed with Leukemia. Super Sophia Joy is fighting for her life as we speak - and our support, thoughts, and prayers can really help to strengthen and renew her incredible super powers.

Yesterday, my family was tremendously blest with the opportunity to personally deliver a TinySuperhero cape to Super Sophia Joy. When I heard about her story, I knew she needed empowerment as soon as possible, and when I found out they were just an hour south of us, I knew we just needed to go.

Sophia in October 2012.
Photo from Sophia Joy's Facebook Page.

Sophia started fighting Leukemia with chemotherapy on October 5, 2012. That day she had surgery to have a port placed and began her first cycle of chemo. Since that day, Sophia (and her family) have been in and out of the hospital for chemotherapy, fevers, and infections. For a family of 8, this is no easy feat.  Sophia Joy is the youngest of six children, born into an incredibly warm and loving family. She has four older sisters and one older brother who love her and have spent hours beside her in the hospital and even more hours making her smile when she's at home! They are definitely her TinySuperhero Sidekicks.

The chemotherapy that Sophia Joy has received eliminates her immune system almost completely. So between each cycle of chemo (5 total) the risk of infection is very high, and Sophia Joy has returned to the hospital with infection several times.

About two weeks ago, on February 3, Sophia had her last round of chemo - a day her family had been waiting for since they first heard the word Leukemia. The last round of chemo was the most intense, and several days later Sophia came down the brochiolitis.  At this point she had practically zero immune system left to fight the infection. This was quickly followed by other complications. On February 13 she had a breathing tube place, and on February 14th she was placed on full life support. They hoped that while on life support, her body could gain the strength it needed to fight off these infections.

On February 18, they were able to take her off of life support, but she still needed the breathing tube - and she still needed to fight the infection.  Today - Sophia Joy is still in the fight. We know that she has super powers that far exceed our understanding, and her family knows that she is protected by her loving God. They pray for a miracle, and they plead with God that they will be able to keep their TinySuperhero here on earth.

Yesterday we went to the hospital and we were greeted by Super Sophia Joy's 5 blonde hair, blue eyed Sidekicks. It became immediately clear that they needed empowerment too, so we gave them each a TinySuperhero cape (thanks to the generous donations of many). We know that as they combine their super powers with Sophia Joy's, that this girl is going to be SO strong!

I can't express in words to you how beautiful, kind, and loving this family is. And it is obvious that they all need their TinySuperhero as much as she needs them right now. They also need our help. Visit their Facebook page to find opportunities to help with the financial burden that comes along with this fight.

Please help us pass them love and support during this very difficult time. You can do so on Sophia Joy's Facebook page.  Her mom told me that she can't wait to see Super Sophia wearing her cape for many, many years to come! 

From our family to Sophia Joy's family - we love you and are praying for your sweet girl's recovery.

Super Ireland

"I am only one of the many faces of EA/TEF.

I am only one, with a small voice but great hope.

While there is no cure for EA/TEF, there is hope,

and where there is hope, there are miracles.

I am one of those miracles."

Super (Princess) Ireland

Minnesota

Meet Super Ireland - Super Princess Ireland. The world surely isn't ready for the way this TinySuperhero is going to stir things up!

Super Ireland has been keeping her mom, dad, and two brothers on their toes since her arrival on December 15, 2007. Ireland was born with several medical conditions including:  Down Syndrome, a hole in her heart (atrial septal defect), a missing leaflet in her aortic valve (bicuspid aortic valve), lung disease, and Esophageal Atresia (EA). Ireland was very sick at birth, and was airlifted to the University of Minnesota Children's Hospital. 

Esophageal Atresia may sound familiar from Super Isaac's story. This condition  means that the esophagus ends in a blind pouch, rather than connecting to the stomach, making it impossible for food to make it to the stomach. Super Ireland and Super Isaac share the same form of EA, although Ireland's has been a bit tricky to repair.

Super Ireland's first year was full of surgeries. Right after birth, she had a G Tube placed, so she could receive nourishment.  A few months later, they tried connecting her esophagus, but discovered the gap (or atresia) was too large. They attempted the connection anyways, which later ended in emergency surgery, only to find out that the two pieces of her esophagus had completely broken apart.  By this time, Ireland only had a small bit of upper esophagus left, so she relied on a tube to use for drainage and a trach for breathing. This tube had to be replaced weekly under general anesthesia. In September of 2011, she developed a bronchopulmonary fistula, resulting in a massive pulmonary hemorrhage.  Ireland has terrified doctors and beaten odds many times.  

Finally, in October of 2012, Super Ireland got what her family has waited on for 5 years - a complete esophagus - a colophagus (a mix between esophagus and colon). This is a miracle. This surgery wasn't hiccup-free either, and with each hiccup Super Princess Ireland surprises the doctors with her ability to bounce back! I think Ireland's mom gives us a pretty good idea (and puts into perspective) what a major victory this colophagus is for Ireland's family. They have worked so hard and given so much to celebrate something most of us try hard to avoid:

If EA sounds familiar, it's because Super Isaac has the same condition. In fact, it was Super Isaac who introduced us to this princess because she is his very special lady friend! Medically, Isaac & Ireland share a diagnosis of EA, but as you will see in the photos below, their friendship is bound together by more than a diagnosis.

Princess Ireland's super powers go beyond defying medical odds, rocking an extra chromosome, or having a hole in her heart. Super Ireland is a TinySuperhero because she is a girl full of love. She smiles through surgeries, long stays in the hospital, and among her family at home. She makes the people around her smile! She works incredibly hard in physical therapy, has Super Isaac wrapped around her finger, cuddles a baby like she was born to be a mother, and in everything, she smiles. Ireland is a teacher, a fighter, a lover, and we're honored to call her a TinySuperhero.

This Princess LOVES having new friends on her Facebook Page: Ireland's Journey. There, you can send her love and continue to follow her journey. Ireland has already brought so much joy into the world and has only just begun.

For the month of February we will be donating one TinySuperhero cape to a kid like Super Ireland for every TinySuperhero cape purchased from our online store below. Help us empower these TinySuperheroes by purchasing a cape for your own TinySuperhero!

https://www.zaarly.com/tinysuperheroes/tinysuperhero-cape-one-for-one

TinySuperheroes is a small organization that seeks to empower our little ones — one cape at a time. Proceeds from cape sales enable us to spread the love!  We donate TinySuperhero capes to extraordinary TinySuperheroes who exemplify strength and determination as they overcome great adversity. When you empower your TinySuperhero, you help empower others, too!

To nominate a TinySuperhero, email puddles@tinysuperheroes.com.