PORTLAND -- Zayana Grace Mendez was born on December 23rd of last year. Her parents were told she might not survive childbirth because she had brittle bone disease.
Her mom Christina Mendez treasures the memory of Zayana's birth.
“We were just waiting and praying to hear that little cry. It was the most miraculous sound we have ever heard,” Mendez said.
Zayana spent nine days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center before her parents were able to take her home. She survived just 16 weeks, but taught her parents a lifelong lesson,
“Every moment of it she gave back, giving us love, hope and courage,” said her mom.
On Friday, in honor of what would have been Zayana's first birthday, her parents delivered a cartload of toys, blankets and clothing to St. Vincent.
They also included a card and snowflake ornament for each of the 40 families who have babies in intensive care this year. Donations were collected through a Facebook post called Zayana’s birthday bash.
Her dad was touched by the generous response.
"It means a lot that people are living out our daughter’s legacy, giving back like we know she would have."
