What started as a routine ultrasound appointment at a clinic in Miami unexpectedly turned into a perplexing medical case that baffled doctors and defied their initial assumptions.
Tammy Gonzalez, anticipating a typical checkup, was taken aback when the screen displayed an unexpected, bubble-like image that left her with more questions than answers. Was it genuinely a harmless bubble, or did it hint at something more sinister lurking beneath the surface?
What followed was a race against the clock, a pioneering medical expedition, and a mother’s unwavering determination to save her unborn child against seemingly insurmountable challenges.
What appeared to be a bubble was actually a tumor: one mother’s courageous battle to save her unborn child.
In 2012, Tammy Gonzalez from Miami, Florida, went to her doctor’s office for a routine ultrasound. Similar to many expectant mothers, she was filled with anticipation to catch a glimpse of her unborn child, hoping to leave with a few blurry images and the comforting assurance that everything appeared normal.
However, the image that appeared on the screen that day would alter the trajectory of her pregnancy—and her life—indefinitely.
As the technician maneuvered the wand over Tammy’s abdomen, an unusual image appeared on the screen. Initially, it appeared endearing—her infant was blowing a delicate, translucent bubble. However, that seemingly innocent image started to evoke a sense of unease in Tammy’s heart. What she initially thought was a cute quirk started to feel eerie and foreboding.
‘is that on me, or the baby?’ she asked hesitantly, her voice filled with concern The technician took a moment to pause, and that brief pause was sufficient to confirm that there was an issue with the equipment.
Additional investigations uncovered a surprising and uncommon finding: the “bubble” was not a bubble at all, but rather a tumor—specifically, an oral teratoma.
These are extremely rare congenital tumors that occur in only about one out of every 100,000 live births. In Tammy’s case, the growth was protruding from her unborn baby’s mouth and expanding at an alarming rate.
Physicians conveyed a bleak outlook. The tumor had the potential to obstruct the baby’s airway, posing a significant risk to both the fetus and Tammy herself. The medical professionals advised terminating the pregnancy as the most secure option. But Tammy’s maternal instincts took over. She adamantly rejected the notion that the only option was to surrender.
We will not tolerate any method that does not include line breaks
Her quest for answers led her to a groundbreaking, high-risk option—one that had never been tried in a similar situation before. Tammy discovered a groundbreaking surgical technique called fetal endoscopic surgery, a complex procedure that had the potential to eliminate the tumor while the baby was still developing inside the womb.
Dr. Ruben Quintero, a trailblazer in the field of fetal medicine at the renowned fetal therapy center in Miami, willingly accepted Tammy’s exceptional case. The plan was as daring as it was intricate: employing minuscule tools and a compact camera, surgeons would venture into the amniotic sac, locate the tumor, and strive to remove it without jeopardizing either the baby or the mother.
Tammy was alert and attentive throughout the entire process. She later described the moment the tools punctured the sac as feeling like a balloon had burst inside her. With meticulous attention and steady hands, the surgical team successfully removed the tumor, which was too big to be taken out during the operation. Instead, it was left suspended in the amniotic fluid until the time of delivery.
For the next four months, Tammy carried her baby with cautious optimism. Despite the challenges and the earlier warnings, her pregnancy continued smoothly without any additional complications. When the time came to give birth, the experience was incredibly surreal.
Tammy welcomed into the world a stunning, robust baby girl named leyna. Despite the small scar on the roof of her mouth, which was the only visible reminder of her previous battle with a life-threatening tumor, leyna displayed no signs of the condition.
Holding her newborn daughter in her arms, Tammy was overwhelmed with gratitude and emotion. ‘She’s my miracle,’ she said through tears, her voice filled with the weight of months of fear, hope, and unwavering love.
Medical experts celebrated the case as a significant achievement in the field of fetal surgery. The achievement of Tammy and Leyna’s story represented a significant shift in how specific prenatal conditions could be addressed before birth. Dr. Quintero and his team were commended for their bravery and ingenuity, but even he recognized that it was tammy’s unwavering determination and courage that made the procedure a success.
‘she never gave up,’ he said
In the years that followed, leyna continued to flourish—healthy, content, and brimming with vitality. Her extraordinary start in life became a tale of motivation, not only for her family but for other parents facing the unknown challenges of rare prenatal diagnoses.
Tammy frequently shares her personal journey to raise awareness and inspire others who are facing challenging decisions during pregnancy. She believes her story is a testament to the power of a mother’s love, medical advancements, and the strength that can be found when hope is combined with action.
‘what started as a strange image on an ultrasound became the beginning of the greatest fight i’ve ever faced,’ tammy reflects
Her message to other parents is straightforward yet impactful: never lose hope. There may be alternatives. Occasionally, miracles can start with something as simple as a bubble.
Tammy Gonzalez’s journey serves as a powerful testament to the unwavering love of a mother and the remarkable progress made in medical science. What started as a regular ultrasound turned into a life-or-death struggle, where bravery, optimism, and unyielding determination were the driving forces. Thanks to the pioneering fetal surgery performed by her medical team, Tammy’s daughter Leyna not only survived but flourished, becoming a living testament to the power of innovation and compassion in the face of adversity.
Tammy’s story continues to inspire countless families facing similarly rare and daunting diagnoses, reminding them that even in the darkest moments, there can be hope—and that sometimes, the fiercest fight begins long before a baby takes their first breath.
By sharing her personal journey, Tammy provides comfort and motivation to parents worldwide, highlighting the existence of new possibilities and the transformative power of love and medical advancements in improving lives.