A young couple, Demi Duffin (17) and Charlie Hayes (19), have shared the terrifying story of their newborn son Luca, who doctors had to “bring back to life” after he was born without a heartbeat.
During pregnancy, Luca was diagnosed with gastroschisis, a condition where organs develop outside the body. Doctors initially told the couple it was not severe.
At 30 weeks, Demi noticed reduced movement and went to the hospital but was sent home after being reassured everything was fine. Less than two weeks later, she returned when the same issue happened again. This time, doctors discovered Luca’s heart had stopped, leading to an emergency C-section.
Born seven weeks early and weighing just over 3 pounds, Luca was revived after an hour of resuscitation and underwent immediate surgery.
Since then, he has had multiple operations and remains under close medical care, though he has now been taken off a ventilator.
The couple described finally holding him for the first time as an unforgettable moment, calling him “their world.” However, doctors warn his condition is still uncertain and recovery will take a long time.
A GoFundMe has been launched to support the family during his ongoing treatment.