Simra was born on May 11th 2008 (Mother's Day) at Pomona Valley Medical Hospital. She was delivered by C-section at 35 weeks . During the pregnancy, the only complications noted were hydronephrosis and polyhydroamnios. After delivery, the doctors noticed that she had low muscle tone (hypotonia), weak reflexes and cry. Simra spent three months in the NICU. In order to diagnose her condition, various genetic tests were performed along with other diagnostic procedures such as MRI and EEG. Although all the test results were normal, doctors were concerned about her prognosis. We did not give up hope even though we had days filled with joy and frustration at the same time.

In August 2008, we transfered Simra to Children's Hospital Los Angeles for a second opinion. Although CHLA was very far from home, we felt it would be beneficial to have a team of specialists look at her. To our dissappointment, many specialists examined her but did not have any answers to offer. After her G-Tube surgery, we were given a crash course on caring for her needs- suctioning, G-Tube care, breathing treatments, physical therapy, occupational therapy, using the pulse oximeter, oxygen tank and nasal canula. It was very overwhelming but we were excited to bring her home.

 

Simra came home in September. We prepared her room with a new crib, changing table, toys and a single bed so that we could sleep next to her. The next five months were the most joyous months with Simra. Both Taheera and I would take turns with feeding, diaper change and medications. The G-Tube care and the suctioning were not as difficult as we thought. As time went by her care became easier and routine.

Simra loved to be taken in her stroller for walks to the park, malls, neighborhood, and near the lakeside. Taheera would dress her up with a new outfit almost everyday. We treasured every moment we had with her by taking lots of pictures. The Early Start program introduced us to a lot of fun activities which we did with her.

Simra significantly improved her muscle tone through physical and occupational therapy. She began lifting her hands and legs even more. Gradually, Simra was doing better with her breathing and her oxygen was being weaned off. Although she did have an episode of pnemonia, our little fighter recovered quickly. Her progress gave us hope, inspiration and happiness.

In March 2009, we took Simra to a nearby children's hospital for a Video EEG due to seizure activity. She contracted RSV at the hospital. Within a few days, she underwent respiratory distress and was intubated. After many weeks and through many attempts, Simra was weaned off the ventilator. However, she still needed positive pressure ventilator support on a bi-pap machine. On Saturday, May 2nd, Simra passed away in our arms at home. Our angel got her wings and departed one week before her first birthday.

Our hearts ache in pain everyday as we miss holding, caring and loving our little Angel Simra. She lives in our heart, in the heart of parents who have children with special needs, and in the hearts of children who need the extra love and care.