Maela’s Story: A Journey of Faith and Resilience
Shared by her grandmother, on behalf of Michael and Kelly Ippolito
A Year of Heartbreak and Hope
There are moments in life that leave you breathless, not with joy, but with sorrow so deep it takes everything in you just to stand. And then, by the grace of God, there are moments so fragile and sacred that hope finds its way in again. This is the story of both.
As Maela’s grandmother, I’ve watched my son Michael and daughter-in-law Kelly walk through a year no parent should ever have to face. To those they’ve grown quiet with this past year, please know it wasn’t for lack of love. Their hearts have been buried in grief and held together by faith. But now, as they prepare to bring their daughter Maela home, they are ready to share their journey, and I’m here to help tell it on their behalf.
A Time of Profound Loss
In December of 2023, Michael and Kelly lost their daughter Bennie to miscarriage at 14 weeks. The pain was unimaginable. She was already so loved, so deeply wanted. Grieving her loss was a storm they never expected.
Then, in February of 2024, they found out they were expecting again—twins, a boy and a girl. It felt like a sign from heaven, a promise that joy was still possible. They went to every appointment together, both regular and high-risk, never missing a beat. At 20 weeks, they learned that each twin had a unique umbilical cord condition, but both babies were growing well and full of life, especially their little boy, who loved to kick and make his presence known.
Then, at just over 24 weeks, those kicks stopped.
Kelly immediately knew something was wrong. An emergency check confirmed their worst fear: their son, their sweet Noah, had passed away. Once again, their world collapsed.
Maela’s Fight for Life
Kelly’s body had already begun labor. She was admitted and given every medication to help their surviving daughter: magnesium to protect her brain, steroids to help her lungs. And then, at 26 weeks on August 15, 2024, Maela was born, far too early, at just 1 lb 14 oz.
They held Noah in their arms, gave him his name, prayed over him, and said goodbye with a love that words can’t contain. He will always be part of our family.
And then, their attention turned to Maela, who entered the world with fight in her spirit and God’s breath in her lungs.
Only four days after Maela was born, she suffered a pulmonary hemorrhage. Her tiny lungs filled with blood, and even with 100% oxygen, she could barely survive. Surfactant therapy saved her life, but further testing revealed a devastating Grade IV brain bleed and a secondary Grade II bleed.
But Maela kept fighting.
She spent seven long months in the NICU. Every attempt to remove her breathing tube ended in setbacks. Eventually, it became clear she needed a tracheostomy to breathe and a G-tube to eat. Approving that surgery for their tiny baby broke Michael and Kelly’s hearts, but they chose it because it meant she could live.
And she did.
Maela’s Progress and Homecoming
In April, Maela was transferred to a pediatric rehab hospital. Since then, she’s continued to grow, smile, track voices, reach for toys, and hit every milestone adjusted for her age. She is our miracle, our little warrior girl.
And now, finally, on June 30th, 2025, Maela is coming home.
How You Can Help
The joy of bringing Maela home is immeasurable, but her care is intensive, and the needs are many. That’s why I’m writing to you, on their behalf, to ask for help.
Kelly is now home full-time, dedicating every moment to caring for Maela. Her job had to be set aside; there was simply no way to balance both. With one income, the financial burden is immense. On top of that, there are critical needs insurance doesn’t fully cover. We are asking for your support to help with:
- Skilled night nursing care so Michael and Kelly can sleep while knowing Maela is monitored by trained hands.
- Essential medical supplies and respiratory equipment not fully covered by insurance but critical to her care.
- A medical crib/bed for safety and comfort during feeds and rest.
- A whole-house water filtration system to protect her sensitive lungs from harmful irritants in the water.
- A backup generator to ensure her ventilator never fails during a power outage.
- A reliable minivan with medical customizations, so she can safely travel to doctors, therapies, and emergency care.
These are not luxuries; they are necessities for Maela’s safety and survival.
A Testimony of Love
If you feel called to give, know that you are not just supporting a child; you are joining a story of profound faith, loss, resilience, and love. Maela’s life is not only a miracle; it’s a testimony. We believe her siblings, Bennie and Noah, are with her in spirit, holding her close and giving her strength.
From the depths of my heart, thank you for reading. Thank you for loving my family. And thank you for walking with us as we bring Maela home.
With faith, love, and unending gratitude,
Maela’s Grandma
(on behalf of Michael, Kelly, and our precious Maela)
