From Fear to Hope: Jasmine’s Story

“We couldn’t have asked for a more healthy, beautiful baby. And we just want to see him grow to be his best self.” 

– Jasmine, Leonardo's mom

When Jasmine discovered she was pregnant, her world lit up with joy. “She just laid out a whole bunch of pregnancy tests and all of them were positive,” Zechariah recalls. “I was just overwhelmed with joy.” But that joy quickly turned into fear when Jasmine and Zechariah received the news: their baby, Leonardo, had been diagnosed with gastroschisis — a rare and serious condition where a baby’s intestines extend outside the body through a hole near the belly button.

The diagnosis brought a flood of questions and emotions. “Is our pregnancy in jeopardy? Is my wife in jeopardy?” The couple was overwhelmed, confused and even angry. But they knew they needed answers — and fast.

That’s when they turned to Valley Children’s.

From the very first contact, Jasmine and Zechariah felt reassured. “We felt like we were going to get taken care of,” they said. Valley Children’s offered a full spectrum of specialized services: consultations with neonatologists, access to pediatric cardiology, and most critically, expert pediatric surgical care. “Everybody was on the same page. Everybody was very fluid. So, it helped keep our anxiety at ease.”

The couple was surrounded by a team of compassionate professionals who not only brought medical expertise but also emotional support. “Each one of them always had positivity for us,” Jasmine said. “Valley Children’s gave me a lot of confidence during the pregnancy.”

As Jasmine’s pregnancy progressed, the risk of early labor became a reality. But thanks to the preparation and care provided by Valley Children’s, the couple felt ready. “By the time our baby was getting ready to come, our anxiety had gone down. They had an expert for everything we came across.”

When Leonardo was born and admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), the overwhelming emotion was relief. “He made it to where he needed to be,” Zechariah said. “They took care of Leonardo like he was their own.” 

Today, Leonardo is four months old. “He is a spicy little boy,” Jasmine proudly shared. “But he’s healthy. He’s great. He’s growing. He’s thriving.” The family is filled with gratitude for the care they received and the future that now lies ahead. “We couldn’t have asked for a more healthy, beautiful baby. And we just want to see him grow to be his best self.” 

Valley Children’s Maternal Fetal Center: Where Expertise Meets Compassion

From high-risk diagnoses to healthy beginnings, Valley Children’s Maternal Fetal Center surrounds families with expert care and unwavering support. With access to neonatologists, pediatric cardiologists and world-class surgeons — all under one roof — parents like Jasmine find peace of mind and strength through every step of their journey. 

With access to advanced prenatal diagnostics like fetal MRI and 3D imaging, comprehensive genetic services and a multidisciplinary team of specialists, the Center provides expert care at every stage of her high-risk pregnancy.

Learn about our Valley Children’s Maternal Fetal Center and our services