Abby Furco was only four years old when she was diagnosed with leukemia.
Her devastated parents were told that their beloved daughter had about a 20 percent chance of surviving. It’s a message that no parent wants to hear—and for Abby’s parents, it was almost the same as hearing that their four-year-old had been given a death sentence.
But the brave little girl refused to give up.
Over the next six years, the Furco family spent their time traveling back and forth between various hospitals and their home in Virginia.
“We kept her surrounded by love because we knew at any moment we could lose her. There were moments we didn’t know if she’d pull through; she has so many infections that could have ended her life,” Abby’s mom, Patty, told People.
In October 2013, Abby had finally finished her treatment. She was able to go to school, hang out with her friends, play soccer, and join the girl scouts just like any other girl.
But as would happen again and again, Abby’s cancer refused to let go.
A year later, the treacherous disease was back—and this time it was worse than ever.
Soon Abby couldn’t move anymore. Every little movement caused her intense pain, and she could barely open her mouth and talk. Her family decided to move all the way to Chicago to be closer to the hospital.
In February 2015, Abby received a bone marrow transplant, but her body rejected it.
Then in May 2016, her kidneys failed.
This time, doctors explained that Abby only had 48 hours to live. She was taken out of the intensive care unit to spend her last moments on earth at home with her family.
Abby’s parents started planning for the funeral. They chose her coffin and picked out music for the service. Her grandparents flew in to say goodbye.
But just when everyone thought it was the end, Abby opened her eyes and whispered, “I have so much living to do.”
Out of nowhere, when Abby was no longer receiving treatment and her family was saying their final goodbyes, the little girl kept fighting and defied all possible odds.
“We couldn’t believe it, in a matter of days, weeks, months she started walking and getting stronger. It’s an absolute miracle,” Abby’s mom, Patty, told People.
A year after the miracle, doctors still haven’t been able to find a proper explanation for Abby’s miraculous recovery.
Abby is now 10 years old and is in fifth grade. Her cancer is remission, and although the future is never certain, every minute in Abby’s life is a blessing for her family.
“We watched her die and come back to life. Now, we’re looking to the future,” Abby’s mom, Patty, told People.
Twice in her life, brave little Abby received a death sentence. But both times, she defied the odds and survived. Please share her story to show everyone that miracles actually do happen!
Published by Newsner, please like
