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My son the miracle

Contributed by: Fernando Rodriguez on 3/18/2007

On December 20th 2005, our son Fernando Azriel Rodriguez was born. He was a healthy 7lbs 7 1/2 oz and was 21inches long. From the moment my wife Trena and I saw him for the first time, we knew that we had fallen in love all over again. At that instant, we did not realize just what kind of a roller coaster ride we were about to embark.

Our son Fernando was born with a very rare medical disorder called "VACTERL" syndrome. "VACTERL" is an acronym for Vertebrae, Anus (imperforate), Cardiac, TracheoEsophageal fistula, Renal (kidney), and Limb. One of the rarities of this syndrome is that the problems come in two's, three's or even four's and five's; but in our sons' case the problems came in eight's. He was diagnosed with a "horseshoe" kidney, a tracheoesophageal fistula, a VSD heart murmur, an unaligned urethra, a small fiborous tumor on his tail bone, 13 ribs (instead of 12) and with only 5 percent of his large bowel developed, which ended up getting completley extracted anyway. And to top it off, his small bowel and the very little amount of large bowel that was developed weren't even connected to the rectum.

So from birth to now, he has had 8 surgeries and a total of just over 4 months length of time in the hospital. His longest hospital stay was from November 15th to December 16th a total of 30 days. During that stay he spent his first Thanksgiving, his first birthday and his 2nd Christmas in a row being in the hospital. He was originally released on December 16th, but returned on December 20th, his birthday, due to some serious compications. The reason for him being in there for so long was because of a severe intestinal and stomach virus he caught which caused some very complicating and terrifying problems. Because he has no large bowel, the severe diarreah made him extremely dehydrated which caused his kidneys to shut down and his bone marrow as well. But thanks to a great team of quick thinking doctors and nurses, our son was able to get back on his feet and get on with his life.

After all of this had happened to him and being home for about 2 months, he finally took his first steps on his own. And his source of motivation for taking his very first steps, well nonother than a "soccer ball". The temptation was so great to go and kick his soccer ball that he literally took off from our couch and took his first step and his first kick almost simutaneosly. 'Til this day, he runs around the house, backyard or even his doctors offices' kicking around his favourite soccer ball.

As if all of this was still not enough, due to his medical condition, I was excused from being deployed to Iraq with my unit the HHB169FAB. So not only has he vigorously fought for his life, but for mine as well.

In his 15 months of life, my son Fernando has proven that if you always fight and never ever quit, it is impossible for you to lose. Regardless if the odds are against you and your chances don't look good, as long as you believe and have strong faith in yourself you will always come out a winner! So you see, having my son Fernando be the honorary captain would be something extremely special to him and his entire family.

From my wife Trena, myself Fernando Sr. and my son Fernando Azriel, we just want to thank you for this great opportunity and chance to be a part of something so special. Thank you.


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Showing 1-10 of 16 comments
Submitted By: Tracy Reed
posted on 10/18/2007 @ 8:57:56 PM
(Not Rated)
What a cute pie your son is . My daughter was born with VACTERL Association in 2006 . She was born with the VACRand L . I know exactly what it is like with it comes to hospitals and surgeries . I hope all is well with your son right now . You can visit us at www.caringbridge.org/visit/margaretreed1
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Submitted By: julie torres
posted on 3/24/2007 @ 1:17:44 PM
Rated Story
I've seen what you've gone through. You know how much I love you guys. Fernando Jr is truly the lucky one, being sent to loving and devoted parents like you. Los quiero, Julie
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Submitted By: Stephanie Torres
posted on 3/22/2007 @ 11:58:04 AM
Rated Story
sorry I forgot the most important thing! He is the top 5* story ever!
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Submitted By: Stephanie Torres
posted on 3/22/2007 @ 11:06:48 AM
Rated Story
WOW!!!! Your story truly was very touching. Yes, fernando is a big miracle. God has BIG plans for him. He is a blessing. Considering all that you & Trena have been going threw you still take time out to make sure I'm doing good, Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Truly I feel honored to have good friends like you. My hats off to you and Trena. Fernando will always have us Torres's there for him. God bless and take care. ~Stephanie Torres
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Submitted By: Maggie Wells
posted on 3/20/2007 @ 2:27:39 PM
Rated Story
Fernando is a true miracle!!!!!
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Submitted By: Brian Moran
posted on 3/20/2007 @ 2:03:38 PM
Rated Story
An obvious 5* story. Fernando, when you are old enough to read and understand these words from people you have inspired, remember to pass on what you have learned, felt, and experienced to someone else. Best Wishes!!! BCM [R
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Submitted By: Steve Stadel
posted on 3/20/2007 @ 1:46:27 PM
Rated Story
Fernando has my vote. Stay strong!!
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Submitted By: Tyler Derrick
posted on 3/20/2007 @ 1:26:37 PM
Rated Story
I have my third nephew in 6 Mos. on the way as well as my friends having nephews (K. Moran) recently, so this story definitely hit home. Stay strong and I know that I will keep your son and family in my thoughts and prayers!!
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Submitted By: Kevin Moran
posted on 3/20/2007 @ 12:46:32 PM
Rated Story
T, I had no clue your son/family has gone through so much... I am going to pass this on to some of my other friends and family and hopes they too will come in and vote!
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Submitted By: Mara Avitia
posted on 3/20/2007 @ 10:48:59 AM
Rated Story
WOW you guys!! i didnt know it was so much that he went through. I will pray for him and you all. I will have my whole church pray for you guys. Just remember that God is GOod all the time and he will pull little Fernando out of this he will like you said Fernando as long as you believe and have strong faith in GOD he will pull you out of this. My best wishes to you and your son love you guys!!!
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Showing 1-10 of 16 comments
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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Fernando Rodriguez

Westminster , CO

Fernando Rodriguez has posted 1 story and 4 comments since joining on 3/15/2007. Fernando Rodriguez 's average story rating is 4.76.
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