Photo: Contributed

Baby Stella was born on Dec. 21, and after spending her first Christmas with mom Megan and dad Tyler, she was back in hospital and given three months to live.

On Jan. 2, Megan and Tyler Epp rushed their newborn to Vernon Jubilee Hospital after she developed serious breathing problems.

Photo: Contributed

Tyler Epp’s mother Cheri Martin says Stella had developed Respiratory Syncytial Virus, a common respiratory virus among children under four-years-old.

“Stella and her mom Megan were flown by Air Ambulance to BC Children's Hospital on Jan. 4, the same night as the terrible snow storm we had, and Tyler flew out the next day to join them,” she explains.

Stella’s parents were able to stay at Ronald McDonald House, which was a great relief says Martin.

However, once at BC Children’s Hospital Stella was diagnosed with Ventricular septal defect (VSD) which is also known as ‘hole in the heart’ a congenital heart defect.

“She also had cysts on her kidneys that need to be monitored,” explains Martin. “The cardiologist indicated that the hole in her heart would most likely not heal on its own and would need surgery after Stella becomes stronger and healthier, which would normally occur after three months of age, which means another trip to BC Children’s.”

The situation then gets worse for baby Stella. Following further testing it was discovered she has a rare chromosome disorder called partial Trisomy 13.

“The geneticist told them Stella's case is so rare that she has not come across one like it,” says Martin who goes on to say the family has been told Stella may not live longer than three months.

“After the three months it is still going to be a day to day worry.”

No longer at the children’s hospital Stella has been transferred back to the Vernon Jubilee where she is hooked up to oxygen and monitors.

The hope is Stella can soon return home where she must remain on oxygen, however, due to her breathing condition the Epp’s home must be renovated, old carpet must be ripped out and new flooring put in.

“The house has to be professionally cleaned before they will be able to bring her home,” says Martin.

Martin is worried for her son and his young family...he has been off work since the baby was admitted to hospital and his work schedule will depend on Stella's condition.

“Unfortunately her condition can change from day to day,” she says.  “There will be a lot more tests to be done on Stella for her ongoing care. They have a lot of bills that need to be kept up to date and there will be ongoing expenses for trips to Vancouver, housing, food, and all the day to day things.”

Martin hopes after the community rallied around a Penticton family last week to help support a five-year-old with a rare form of cancer, area residents would see it in their heart to help baby Stella.

“Stella is such a little fighter, and her parents will be with her to fight every step of the way. We are looking for any help that we can possibly get to help make this time a little easier for Tyler and Megan so they can focus on their special little girl Stella.”

To help the Epp family A Go Fund Me page has been set up by a friend along with a t-shirt sale. Click here to help donate.