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Zika Survivor Tamara Defies Odds, Thrives 9 Years After Diagnosis
3 Aug
Summary
- Tamara, born with microcephaly due to Zika, is now 9 years old
- Doctors initially gave her little chance of survival or development
- Tamara's mother, Rute, remained hopeful and advocated for her daughter
Back in 2016, when Rute Freires' newborn daughter Tamara was diagnosed with microcephaly, a condition caused by the Zika virus, doctors gave the child little chance of survival or development. Tamara was one of nearly 2,000 babies born to women in Brazil who contracted the mosquito-borne virus during that time.
Now, 9 years later, Tamara is still alive and continues to make progress, despite the grim prognosis. She eats through a stomach tube, and her hands are increasingly stiff, making it difficult for her to hold her head still. However, Rute never lost hope, constantly asking doctors if her daughter would one day walk, speak, or even smile.
Tamara's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of a mother's love. As the world grappled with the Zika outbreak in the lead-up to the 2016 Olympics, Rute's unwavering dedication to her daughter's well-being has ensured that Tamara's life continues to be a source of inspiration and hope for families facing similar challenges.
