Diagnosed with hepatomegaly (enlarged livers) at just six weeks old, Baby Eliana Brielle Karita was again diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (H.L.H.S.) just before her sixth month.

This is a rare congenital heart defect in which the left side of the heart is severely underdeveloped, but Eliana’s parents, Samaria and Ututa Siolo did not give up hope to find treatment for their baby girl.

Eliana has been admitted at the Motootua Hospital for almost two weeks. Her mother said after an echocardiogram (echo test) that was done last Tuesday they were told on Monday this week of their daughter's  H.L.H.S.

“With the six weeks we were admitted in the hospital since baby was born, there was no mention of a heart condition until a week before we had to leave for India, and when I asked why, they said for some children, it takes time for symptoms to develop.

"Doctors also told me there shouldn’t be any transplants for baby as it would not be a great choice for her, considering her heart," she added.

Mrs. Siolo said they felt discouraged by what they were told by the health officials, but kept holding onto their faith in God. 

"We took her to the Supernatural Fellowship Ministry healing on Tuesday night and the pastor just prayed all over her. And you know, it says in the Bible to talk about the good things the Lord has done for you. 

"So we took her Tuesday night with a swollen stomach but when she woke up Wednesday, the swelling was gone and she was smiling again which she has not done since we were admitted two weeks ago," she told this newspaper.

"When the doctors told me that no other treatment should be done on baby, we felt like we lost all hope but we just held on to our religious side because he is the healer of all healers and it’s true."

She said although things are looking up right now, this will not be the end of their effort to seek treatment for Eliana.

"We had to celebrate her six months at the hospital, the doctor came in today (yesterday) to check on her checks, and he said it was clear; her lungs and heart.

"This won’t be the end of this, were planning to go to Dr. Satu to properly check baby and hopefully give us an okay to take her to New Zealand to follow up her heart case, and to get a second opinion.

"And in terms of her liver condition it is still there, her liver is still large but it isn’t expanding anymore, they said, but I know my daughter is healing so were going to keep praying and hope we go to New Zealand," added Mrs. Siolo.

"And they said it’s so hard for them to give a clear because of the risk of travel but was advised to wait instead for the team of doctors arriving in May to execute further checks."

She acknowledged everyone who have donated and said a prayer for Eliana and their family, saying they have also had people stop by with cupcakes and food for baby.

"We wanted to thank everybody for the donation, those people who gave and prayed for us, even strangers, we appreciate it all. 

"We are now going to use the money for baby’s follow up checks in New Zealand as it is very expensive for non-residents," she added.

According to Mrs. Siolo, Baby Eliana will be discharged Friday.