WARNING!

The following post contains very graphic pictures.

I just received an email from Jackie asking all of us to pray. A few weeks ago she told me the story of a precious baby girl named Ana Maria who despretely needs medical treatment. Ana was born about six weeks ago to a beautiful, young, Christian woman.

The mother already has a three-year-old boy and was anxiously anticipating the arrival of her baby girl. Sadly, what should have been a joyous occasion was quickly filled with horror when precious Ana Maria finally made her entrance to the world.

You see, while still in the womb, the baby's skull failed to properly form and now, her little brain is literally resting outside of her face, on top of her forehead.

Google has revealed that Ana's condition is called an Encephalocele and is caused by pressure inside the skull reaching such a high level that the cranial tissue is forced out and then the protective layer of the brain grows over the protrusion. Doctors do not know what causes an encephalocele but it is extremely important to say that it is not related to anything her mother did or did not do during her pregancy. "In the U.S., encephaloceles occur in approximetely 1-4 per 10,000 live births" (Children's Hospital of Wisconsin). And although the condition could have been revealed in an ultrasound, Ana's mother couldn't afford one and nothing could have been done to reverse the condition while she was still in the womb.

Jackie is determined to help this mother in any way possible so she brings diapers, food, gauze, and the special ointment needed for Ana's head.

However, I beleive that we serve a HUGE God. A God that is bigger than finances, bigger than fears, and most certainly bigger than health issues. And so I'm not asking for money - I'm asking for prayers. I truly believe that Ana Maria's life can be saved if we lift her up and ask God to help us.

PLEASE PRAY!!

1) That the mother and family members of this little girl would be encouraged, strengthened, and blessed

2) For a team of doctors and surgeons to come and help save this baby's life

3) For the Lord to rain down blessings of protection, strength, and courage on this precious child.

I know that God has the capability to save Ana Maria's life without medical treatment, but I also know that He has the ability to move people's hearts into action!! So let's get to it!

Thank you and to God be the glory.

Tasha