Jacob Ramiro Maldonado Vazquez’s life began in the most unimaginable way. Born on June 29, 2017, at just 25 weeks gestation, he weighed only 1 lb., 9 oz. His premature birth was the start of a long and difficult journey that would see him and his family face hardships no parent should ever have to endure. Little did they know, this tiny baby boy would fight with every ounce of strength he had, and, against all odds, emerge victorious.
Jacob’s early days were spent in the Puerto Rico Medical Center, where he was given the best care possible despite the limitations of equipment and personnel. But just weeks after his birth, a catastrophic event struck the island: Hurricane Maria. The storm devastated Puerto Rico, leaving the hospital without power, water, and essential supplies for months.
The conditions were unimaginable, and Jacob’s health began to deteriorate as the hospital struggled to provide the care he needed. What should have been a safe space for healing had turned into a dangerous environment, and Jacob’s family felt their worst fears creeping in.
Despite these challenges, Jacob’s parents held onto hope. They knew that the fight was far from over. On November 1, 2017, the family was transferred to Macon, Georgia, where they were able to stay at the Ronald McDonald House, a place that would become a lifeline during the darkest days of their journey. For Jacob’s mother, Roxannie, this was a moment of relief—knowing that they were now closer to the resources and medical care Jacob so desperately needed. Slowly but surely, there was a glimmer of progress.
However, their journey was far from smooth. On December 26, Jacob’s condition worsened, and he had to be placed on an oscillator to help him breathe. It was a heartbreaking moment for his family—seeing their tiny baby boy fighting for each breath while they could do nothing but watch and pray. They couldn’t hold him, couldn’t comfort him in the way they so desperately wanted to. His condition continued to worsen, and, once again, the doctors had to face the difficult reality that there might not be much more they could do.
On January 18, 2018, the doctors delivered words that would haunt Roxannie and her family forever: “There’s not much more we can do.” They had heard these words before, but each time they were spoken, it felt like their world was being torn apart. Jacob’s condition had become so critical that he would need to be transferred to another hospital for a possible double lung transplant. It was another moment of uncertainty, of waiting, but through it all, Jacob’s family never lost hope.
The waiting process was excruciating. The family had to wait over a month for approval to transfer Jacob to another hospital. During this time, they clung to each other and their faith. They knew that every day with Jacob was a gift, and they remained hopeful that the doctors who were caring for him would be able to find a way forward.
Finally, on February 23, 2018, they received the long-awaited news: Jacob would be transferred to Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, one of the leading pediatric hospitals in the country. The hope that had been so fragile finally began to grow stronger.
When they arrived at Texas Children’s, they were faced with another shock. Not only was Jacob still in critical condition, but the doctors discovered that he had sustained multiple fractures—four broken ribs, along with fractures in his femur, tibia, shoulder, finger, and toe. His fragile little body had endured more than anyone could imagine, but the doctors at Texas Children’s were determined to help him heal.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Jacob’s family found hope and strength in the care they received. The team at Texas Children’s was not just focused on Jacob’s medical needs—they also provided comfort, encouragement, and a sense of reassurance that they were doing everything possible to help him survive. With patience, diligence, and the love of his doctors, nurses, and the entire hospital staff, Jacob’s condition began to stabilize. His journey was far from easy, but every small step forward was a victory.
The months that followed were filled with intense care, medical procedures, and moments of both hope and despair. But through it all, Jacob’s family never gave up. They knew that every day at Texas Children’s brought them closer to their goal of seeing their son healed. Jacob’s medical team worked tirelessly to ensure that he received the best care, constantly adjusting his treatment plan and monitoring his progress. Each small victory brought them closer to the day they could bring Jacob home.
After 11 long months at Texas Children’s Hospital, Jacob was finally able to go home. It was a moment of triumph that felt impossible just a few months earlier. Jacob had spent 20 months in five different hospitals, enduring surgeries, treatments, and countless obstacles. But despite it all, he had survived. He had shown resilience that no one could have predicted, and he was now thriving at home with his family.
Now, Jacob is growing, getting healthier, and making incredible progress. His parents are in the process of weaning him off the ventilator, a process that doctors initially thought would take 5 to 10 years. But Jacob continues to prove everyone wrong. His strength, courage, and determination have surpassed every expectation. His family is filled with gratitude as they watch him grow stronger each day.
Roxannie, Jacob’s mother, reflects on their incredible journey with deep gratitude. “Jacob has been through so much, and we are forever grateful to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Texas Children’s for saving not only myself but our sweet little miracle more than once. It’s because of their careful decision-making and care that we have our girl home with us today after 199 days. ‘Thank you’ will never be enough!”
Jacob’s story is a reminder of the incredible resilience of children, the unwavering strength of families, and the life-saving care provided by hospitals like Texas Children’s. Every day that Jacob gets stronger is a testament to the power of modern medicine, the dedication of healthcare professionals, and the unbreakable bond between a family and their child. Jacob’s fight is a shining example of hope, perseverance, and the miracles that happen every day in hospitals across the world.
