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Making Miracles Happen: Stand with Karina & Her Baby Boy in Prayer

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Making Miracles Happen at Tat’s Place

In the heart of Tat’s Place in Puerto Maldonado, a tale of resilience and unwavering faith unfolds. Karina, a cherished member of the family in this children’s home, navigates an arduous journey with her newborn baby boy. At just 30 weeks into her pregnancy, complications arose, casting a shadow of uncertainty over their lives.

Karina’s Story at Tat’s Place Calls for Prayers

Karina, just 21 years old, alone in her hospital room except for brief visiting hours due to restrictions, faces the trials of premature birth and fragile health. Yet, her spirit remains steadfast, a testament to courage in the face of adversity.

Amidst the uncertainty, prayers poured in from our community, a collective plea for strength and healing. And amidst the darkness, rays of hope began to emerge. Against all odds, Karina’s baby boy entered this world, a tiny warrior weighing a mere 1.8 lbs (860 grams). Placed in the neonatal ICU, his small frame battled for each breath, his lungs showing signs of promising development despite his early arrival.

“Last Tuesday, during Karina’s 30-week ultrasound, the doctor expressed concern over her condition—preeclampsia and low amniotic fluid. With caution, they admitted her to the hospital, placing her on strict bed rest while closely monitoring the baby’s health. This week, the medical team made the tough decision to deliver the baby for his chance at survival. Karina courageously underwent induction, and this morning, at 04:56, she welcomed her baby boy into this world.

At a delicate 869 grams and 34cm long (1.89 pounds and 13 inches), he’s a tiny warrior already displaying incredible strength. The neonatal ICU’s presence in our hospital, a recent addition, brings hope for these premature babies—a chance they didn’t have before. I had the privilege to visit him this morning, witnessing his small frame that easily fits within my palm. His breathing shows promise, and while the first 24 hours are crucial, the staff remains optimistic about his progress. It was a relief to see that our hospital now has a neonatal ICU, which we didn’t before, and these premature babies did not usually survive. I was blessed by the staff this morning who let me gown up and visit him. He is so small his hand just covers my thumbnail his legs are the size of my fingers, and I could easily slip my wedding ring over his arm to his shoulder!

Our mornings will be filled with daily visits as he gains weight and strength! It’s a testament to the blessings of children and the miracles that grace our lives. Karina and this little fighter need our prayers as they navigate this challenging journey. The love surrounding him is immense, and we continue to seek divine intervention for his strength and survival.” – Scott Blackburn, Director at Tat’s Place

Hope & Healing Needed

In these crucial moments, every prayer becomes a beacon of light, a testament to the power of collective faith and love. We’ve seen small victories—the baby’s strength in the ICU, positive signs from the doctors—but the journey remains uncertain.

Karina’s story resonates deeply within our ImpactHope family. Her bravery inspires us to rally together, to stand by her side in spirit, and to hold onto hope for her and her precious newborn.

As we continue to lift Karina and her baby boy in prayer, we also urge our community to extend their support beyond this touching story. ImpactHope stands committed to supporting vulnerable children across various homes, spreading love, care, and hope.

Your donation to ImpactHope can ensure that other children’s homes receive the care and resources they need to thrive. Your generosity will create lasting impacts in the lives of these children, giving them a chance for a brighter future.

Update: 19 Nov 2023

We stood united in prayer and hope for Gael’s recovery. However, despite every effort, it is with deep sadness that we inform you that Gael has passed away. His journey, albeit short, left an indelible mark on our hearts, reminding us of the fragility and preciousness of life.

While we mourn Gael’s passing, let us also remember the love, strength, and courage he embodied. Let us wrap Karina and all those who loved Gael in our thoughts and prayers during this unimaginably difficult time.

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Tatiana's Story

From a very young age, Tatiana had a heart for serving children. After a short trip to help at an orphanage in Haiti in 2014, she was ready to go all in to serve the less fortunate children of the world. Tatiana was the driving force behind the family moving to Peru, and she loved the children of Peru.

In the summer of 2018, Tatiana Blackburn died tragically in a car accident. To honour her memory, the Blackburns started a fund called Tat’s Kids Peru. This fund was designated for the children at Tat’s Place to support the ongoing operation of the home.