"The miracle of the people behind the diagnoses
As a continuation of my story "When the Miracle Hurts", I feel the need to focus on something that often gets lost in diagnoses, percentages, and medical terms: the people.
Because during this difficult journey, I met so many distinguished scientists, and especially an embryologist with a crucial contribution to his field.
But above all, what characterized them was their humanity.
The moment of diagnosis
It all started near the end of the first trimester of pregnancy, when we were told that the fetus was suffering from a left congenital diaphragmatic hernia.
A rare and severe condition, with very low postnatal survival rates.
They explained that there was the option of a specialized intrauterine surgery, performed only abroad, which could increase the chances of survival.
When the diagnosis was confirmed, we froze.
And time froze along with us.
From that moment, everything changed.
Our life, as we knew it, ceased to exist.
Nothing would ever be the same, and we realized this almost immediately.
When the case goes beyond the ordinary
The situation was no longer within the competence of our gynecologist.
It was now a very rare and highly specialized case requiring exceptional care. We had to be taken on by specialized embryologists for this specific issue.
Our gynecologist collaborated with an experienced embryologist, who was the one to detect the condition.
He stood by us from the first moment and guided us through the entire process.
Of course, we did not rely on just one opinion.
We visited several distinguished embryologists for second and third opinions.
And in every clinic, we met the same thing:
compassion, understanding, a warm embrace, and heartfelt wishes.
At every examination, we hoped.
We wanted to believe that perhaps a mistake had been made.
But the reality remained unchanged.
A case that became everyone's concern
Our embryologist coordinated a series of necessary tests.
But he didn't stop there.
He put us in touch with his team at the hospital where he worked.
Suddenly, we became an "interesting case.
A very unique situation, and how could it not be, considering it was such a rare condition.
At the time, I didn't understand why there was so much interest from the entire medical staff.
Along the way, however, I realized it.
The following period was filled with tests.
Each one was accompanied by immense anxiety.
And even though the situation was hard, the development of the fetus remained satisfactory.
At the same time, we were preparing ourselves both psychologically and practically for the possibility of traveling abroad, where the specialized intrauterine surgery would take place.
Even if everything seemed relatively stable, the procedure had to be done to increase the chances of survival.
The man behind the scientist
At some point, our embryologist informed us that Professor Kypros Nicolaides, who invented this specific method, would be visiting our country for an honorary award.
At that moment, we didn't yet know how crucial this meeting would be.
A world-renowned professor of fetal medicine, a man who has made invaluable contributions to the health sector.
Until then, we didn't know who he was.
After our diagnosis, however, we realized how important he was to medical science.
Our embryologist arranged for us to meet him.
The meeting took place at the hospital, on the day of the award ceremony.
I remember that day like it was yesterday:
many doctors, scientists, and a modest, beautiful ceremony.
And there I was with my husband, standing a bit further back, waiting anxiously.
Not for the meeting.
But for the result.
The examination I will never forget
They led us into an examination room.
At first, we were alone with our embryologist.
A few minutes later, the professor appeared.
Polite, sweet, smiling.
Behind him followed many: doctors, associates, scientists from abroad, journalists. All gathered around a man who had left an indelible mark on fetal medicine and for whom everyone felt deep respect.
For all of them, he was something like a "father" of medicine.
But for us, at that moment, he was much more than a scientist, he was the hope that would touch our child.
The examination began.
The professor commented on the findings; the others watched with absolute attention.
I was praying silently.
When he finished, he turned towards us.
The news wasn't good.
The condition of the fetus had worsened.
The survival rates had decreased even further.
And yet… there was hope. Small, but it was there.
He clearly presented our options:
- Specialized surgery abroad (up to 50% chance of survival).
- Continuation of the pregnancy without intervention (around 10%).
- Termination of the pregnancy.
Without a second thought, we decided to fight
And then something unexpected happened.
The professor announced that the surgery could be performed for the first time in Greece, fully covered.
When humanity transcends science
Suddenly, after we were told all this, the professor left the room, and with him, the entire room emptied, as everyone present followed him out. It was just me, my husband, and our embryologist left, who immediately looked at us with visible disappointment and told us how sorry he was about the progression of the results.
I didn't want to accept in any way that something might go wrong. As long as there was hope for my child, nothing would stop me from fighting for it and believing in it with all my heart.
While we were still in the examination room, we suddenly saw the professor walk back in, alone. He approached us and, when he was close, placed one hand on my husband's shoulder and very humanely asked:
"Did I upset you with what I told you?"
It was a question that didn't expect an answer, but he asked it out of genuine care.
And here is where I want to pause, on the greatness of this embryologist and human being..
If I hadn't experienced it up close, I wouldn't have believed it. This man has offered and continues to offer so much to medicine; his fame is global, his achievements immense.
He himself discovered the nuchal translucency—a test so vital for the early stages of pregnancy—and has made many more discoveries that make him truly admirable.
But beyond his scientific achievements, what remains for us above all is his simplicity and humanity. He gave us the opportunity and hope to undergo the surgery in Greece, but more than anything, the generosity of his soul and his genuine interest on a human level was what touched us deeply.
We will never forget his actions and words, which showed us that even great scientists are people with big hearts.
And as we left the clinic, we carried within us the hope and faith that everything was still possible. This experience, along with the compassion and care of so many people around us, became a real miracle for us.
If there is one thing I want to remain
In a healthcare system full of protocols, diagnoses, and percentages, I met people.
And that, in itself, was a miracle.
If there is one thing I want to remain from this story, it's that science can save lives, but humanity is what keeps the soul standing upright.
The journey continues in the next part of my story, "When science dared and humanity kept hope alive".