Charlotte Juniper Niemiec

When I found out I was pregnant I, like many other moms, went searching the internet for all the information possible.  I stumbled upon the website The Bump.  Here, I was able to look up any questions/answers I had regarding pregnancy, motherhood, how my baby "should" be growing, and anything else you can think of.  I also found a board here dedicated to all moms that were expecting in April 2011.  It was amazing to see that there were so many other moms going through things at the exact same time as me, with the exact same questions as me.  I got to vent to them about my pregnancy woes, dream of how my baby would turn out, plan a nursery, and "witness" hundreds of births to wonderful little babies. 
As we all started to have our babies, we started a group on Facebook so that we could grow a little closer, and continue to watch each others babies grow.  
It is here, that I met Cheryl.  Cheryl didn't have the easiest pregnancy, she had been on bedrest for a while.  She finally gave birth to Charlotte Juniper Niemiec on March 30th, 2011.
Charlotte started out a "normal", healthy, happy baby.  Things took a turn at the end of April, and have gone down ever since.  Charlotte has been in the hospital fighting an illness that has yet to be diagnosed.  She has masses growing inside of her stomach, and the largest one is 1mm away from her aortic valve.  They have performed every test they could think of to find out what is wrong with her, with no success.  As a last resort, Charlotte will be undergoing surgery in 36 hours.  Cheryl updated us on facebook with the status "Calling all prayers - Charlotte is having surgery in less than 36 hours :o( That is all the time I am guaranteed in this world with my sweet angel...."
I cannot help but to sob like a baby when I read this status over and over again.  Not only does it break my heart to see anyone go through this, but as a mom, it makes me so scared for anything to happen to my own children.  
Cheryl has been the biggest inspiration to me throughout all of this.  Not only is she handling Charlotte's illness with more strength than I could ever imagine, but she still finds time to somehow come and chat with us.  She doesn't complain about Charlotte's condition, instead she brags about how wonderful she is, and all of her milestones she's hitting.  She is the most amazing mother I have ever encountered, and I hope that I am even half of that.
With all that I am, I pray that Charlotte makes it through her surgery safe, sound, and healthy.  I am asking all of you to pray for her as well.  This little girl deserves to live a very happy, full, and wonderful life.  Any and all prayers are truly needed and appreciated at this time.   

 This is Charlotte with her amazing mom and dad; Cheryl and Wally.

Sweet Charlotte

Here is a link to Charlotte's story if you all would like to follow along: Charlotte's Story