Dear Friends,

When I first met my baby girl, we were separated by a facemask, incubator, tubes and wires.

I was 28 weeks pregnant and COVID-19 positive when I was checked into Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital with severe pneumonia-like symptoms and upper respiratory issues. I was struggling to breathe and had also developed acute respiratory distress syndrome, which has a 50% mortality rate in pregnant women.

My doctors knew I had to be intubated to allow my body to rest, recover, and for Jade to grow inside me. I was put into a medically-induced coma and placed on a ventilator, but within hours, Jade began to lose oxygen and went into distress. On July 27, my doctors had to perform a life-saving cesarean delivery (C-section) for my baby. There were close to 25 people in the intensive care unit room to help deliver Jade. I’m so grateful for the excellent care they gave to Jade and me.

Baby Jade

Even though Jade wasn’t COVID-19 positive like I was, we were both still in critical condition. By August 2, one week after giving birth, my breathing was improving, and I was taken off of the ventilator. Four days later I was released from the hospital and reunited with my family. Watch more of Jade's and my story on ABC7 news or follow the doctors around while they treated us.

WATCH BLANCA AND JADE'S STRENGTH "It is because of the incredible caregivers at Loma Linda University Health that my daughter and I are alive today. There were so many moments when our lives were hanging in the balance, and they went above and beyond to care for us."

I invite you to help support the amazing work that Loma Linda University Health does for our community by taking part in #GivingTuesday! Show your appreciation with me by giving a gift to this amazing institution.

Sincerely,

Blanca Rodriguez
Patient, Loma Linda University Medical Center

Your gifts becomes even more powerful this year!

Now until December 1, 2020, any dollar amount you choose to give will be doubled thanks to our #GivingTuesday match gift provided by Johnny and Kimberley Hernandez! Support today and double the impact you have on patient lives, like Blanca and Jade.

Together we heal. Together we help. Together we stand on #GivingTuesday: A day of giving for a whole tomorrow.