COVER STORY
HERE’S LOOKING AT YOU, MA
Michelle with Baby Ezra. Image credit: LOVINA D’SOUZA.
By LOVINA D’SOUZA
Ma, mummy, mamma, mom, mai, mamma-mia, ammi, amma, mom-in-law...we address our mothers in so many ways, each reflecting the boundless, selfless and deep love we are blessed with.
A mother’s love is unconditional and immeasurable. A mother is our most precious gift who deserves to be celebrated not only on Mother’s Day, but every day of the year.
I count myself as one of the fortunate ones who have experienced the extraordinary gift of a mother’s love for many, many years. Even though my mummy Emilda and mother-in-law Theresa are no longer physically with us, their warmth, nurturing and guidance continue to live in my heart.
We are reminded of the importance of cherishing our parents, especially as they age. My advice, stemming from my experience, is to love them with all your heart, be patient and kind, and above all, take care of them. There is no greater gift than showing our parents and in-laws kindness, giving them our time and attention and bringing them joy. I am grateful for the moments I spent with my head on my mother’s lap, feeling her warmth and love – a memory that continues to comfort me even two years after her passing at the age of 95.
I am grateful to my friend Veena and her words of wisdom, a reminder and a guiding light during a time I needed it the most: “Be your mom’s child, not an adult, lay on her lap and enjoy her love.”
Those words still resonate with me, a lasting reminder to never take our mothers and such precious moments for granted.
On this Mother’s Day, let’s reflect on the incredible stories of mothers who exemplify the power of love, resilience and hope. Two such stories remind us of the miraculous ways in which a mother’s love shapes our world and helps us overcome the impossible.
BABY EZRA WATSON: THE WARRIOR WHO DEFIED THE ODDS
As they reflect on their journey, Michelle and Jesse are filled with gratitude: “We are thankful to SickKids Hospital in Toronto for giving Ezra the treatment he needed.” Image credit: LOVINA D’SOUZA.
In a world where love and miracles go hand in hand, baby Ezra Watson’s journey is a reflection of both. Baby Ezra, the warrior, marked a monumental milestone – his first birthday – on November 29, 2024.
For parents Michelle and Jesse, along with their family and friends, this celebration was filled with joy, a testament to their faith and a journey no one had predicted. Because it was a milestone no one was sure he would reach.
“After 22 hours of labour, we were so excited, a healthy baby boy was born to us,” says Michelle. “Our families and friends were beyond elated when we shared the news of his arrival, the first baby in our family.”
But their happiness was soon overshadowed by the news that followed. Just days after their baby’s birth, Michelle received a call from SickKids Hospital. “Ezra’s newborn screening bloodwork showed that his T and B cells are absent. These cells are critical to a baby’s immune system, and without them, a child would not have defense against viruses.”
Michelle remembers that moment of disbelief, “We thought it must be a big mistake or a lab error”.
The doctors explained that their baby could have Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) – a rare and devastating genetic condition. If untreated, it can lead to life-threatening infections, with a survival span of less than two years. There are different variations of SCID caused by various genetic mutations, and Ezra’s was identified as a RAG-2 gene mutation.
Michelle recalls their pain: “Our world completely flop sided”.
Doctors told Michelle to stop breastfeeding to avoid spreading viruses, quarantine immediately, and not to take him outdoors.
With the clock ticking, Michelle and Jesse made the decision to pursue treatment at SickKids Hospital. “The only available cure was a bone marrow and stem cell transplant. At just three months old, Ezra began the grueling process of conditioning for the transplant, which included chemotherapy.”
He was given cells from his mother, a 50 per cent match, through an innovative procedure known as alpha-beta stem cell depletion.
But the road to recovery would not be easy. Days after the transplant, Ezra’s health took a terrifying turn. Michelle shares, “He suffered a pulmonary hemorrhage and went into cardiac arrest. His doctors immediately administered CPR, and Ezra was moved to the Pediatric Intensive Care and Critical Care Unit (PICCU).”
Jesse and Michelle’s pain was unimaginable. “Doctors told us that Ezra likely wouldn’t survive the night. His blood CO2 was quite high, and he was not responding to the normal ventilator. He had to be shifted to the high-pressure oscillator.”
Michelle says, “We felt like the ground beneath us had been ripped away.”
Jesse continues, “When we saw him, he didn’t even look like our baby. He was swollen, surrounded by beeping machines, intubated, and in a medically induced coma.”
Yet, despite the odds, baby Ezra didn’t give up. Thanks to the swift action of his medical team and the love and prayers of his family, he pulled through. “Our little warrior fought through it all. His recovery was nothing but a miracle. After two months in the hospital, Ezra was discharged.”
But the battle was far from over. Ezra returned again with a fever and a line infection that led to life-threatening complications. Another two months in the hospital followed, with pumps and meds to keep him stable. Numerous scans, ultrasounds, MRI and CT scans, X-rays, and blood tests were performed, but there were no clear answers.
Yet with unyielding determination from Ezra’s doctors and his family’s unshakeable faith, they were finally discharged again. Ezra continued to face challenges, including a subsequent COVID-19 infection, but his fighting spirit never wavered.
Today, at 17 months old, Ezra is home and making progress. “Though still receiving regular care and battling side effects such as skin graft-versus-host disease (SGVHD), Ezra is catching up on his developmental milestone and has a cheeky personality,” chuckles Michelle.
Through all this, Michelle and Jesse have become passionate advocates for SCID awareness. “When Ezra was diagnosed, we didn’t even know what SCID was. We are incredibly grateful it was caught early, but in many countries, this isn’t part of the routine test and babies don’t survive.
“We want people to know that early detection is key. Register in newborn screening programs worldwide. If you know a baby who is frequently ill or showing unusual symptoms, ask the doctors for genetic testing,” Michelle emphasizes.
Jesse and Michelle urge everyone to join the stem cell registry and donate blood and plasma.
“Baby Ezra’s life was saved through the generosity of blood donors. Ezra received more than 50 blood products during his hospital stay, and those donations made the difference.
“You could save a life by making a donation to SickKids, Canadian Blood Services, or Ontario Parents Advocating for Children with Cancer (OPPAC) in Ezra’s name. The Asian community, in particular, is underrepresented in the donor registry,” says Michelle.
The couple has taken their advocacy to social media, sharing their journey with the world through their Instagram page, @scidbaby_e. “We want to help other parents who might be going through the same thing,” Michelle explains.
As they reflect on their journey, Michelle and Jesse are filled with gratitude: “We are thankful to SickKids Hospital in Toronto for giving Ezra the treatment he needed. We owe so much to the doctors and to the people who have supported us,” says Michelle. “But, most of all, we owe so much to our warrior, baby Ezra, who defied all odds.”
FLEUR KIMBERLY SERPES: A JOURNEY OF PURE LOVE
Diana with Kimmy. Image credit: LOVINA D’SOUZA.
There is a profound truth in the words of Carolyn Blitz: “There is ability in every disability.” This sentiment rings especially true in the inspiring story of Kimberly Serpes, lovingly known as Kimmy.
Born in 1995 in Dubai to Vincent and Diana who are originally from India, Kimmy is the youngest of four daughters. Her parents were filled with excitement and hoped to raise a healthy child, but Kimmy’s health complications began to emerge right after birth.
Diana recalls those early, agonizing days: “Kimberly was in the ICU from birth. Her fluctuating blood sugar dropped too low; and it affected her brain cells, leading to irreversible disability.”
Despite the heartache, the Serpes family refused to give up. In the weeks following, Diana and Vincent had to make some difficult decisions. “We decided to take Kimmy out of the hospital as we weren’t seeing any improvement, and take care of her ourselves,” Diana explains.
The challenges continued. Kimmy couldn’t hold her head up, and doctors conducted more tests. “It was painful, like torture, for our tiny baby,” Diana says with emotion. The diagnosis was devastating: “Kimmy would not be able to stand, walk, or talk.”
They decided to go to India and consult doctors there. Later, in 1996, when Kimmy was just nine months old, the family moved to Canada and her medical condition was reassessed.
Kimmy was diagnosed with Dandy Walker Variant and Global Developmental Delay (GDD).
Despite the overwhelming challenges, the Serpes family was determined to give Kimmy the best life possible. “We had no family or friends in Canada, and jobs were a struggle, but we survived,” says Diana. “Kimmy graduated from school in 2016, and today, at 29, she walks with assistance, communicates through sign language, and receives support from government programs and PSWs.”
What truly stands out about the Serpes family is the deep love, humility, and unbreakable bond they share. Diana proudly says, “Kimmy is a part of everything we do. We take her everywhere – on holidays, camping trips, music shows, and parties. She’s affectionate and friendly, easily connecting with others, greeting them with a smile or a gentle touch.”
While Kimmy’s journey has been far from easy, her radiant energy fills their home with joy. “Kimmy is a blessing in disguise,” Diana says with a smile.
The Serpes family is also proud of their three older daughters, who have successfully graduated and now work in the nursing and medical fields. Each of them lovingly helps care for Kimmy.
“Kimmy runs around the house and makes a mess too!” Diana laughs.
“Don’t change, be your sweet, innocent self,” adds Vincent, who learned sign language to communicate with his daughter, reflecting the deep affection he feels for her.
Diana offers heartfelt advice to others facing similar challenges: “Take up the challenge, face it, and enjoy the presence of your dear ones.”
She encourages families to seek out organizations like Easter Seals and Jennifer Ashleigh, which provide mobility aids and support programs for children with special needs.
Kimmy’s journey, and the immense love her family has shown her, are reminders that, with acceptance, humility, compassion, and support, the challenges life throws at us can become meaningful milestones.
The Serpes family’s story is one of hope, illustrating that every obstacle can be faced with grace, and every moment, no matter how small, is worth celebrating.
Kimmy has the ability to bring joy to her family and everyone she meets. It is a powerful reflection of the beauty of life’s unexpected journey.
“Be your mom’s child, not an adult, lay on her lap and enjoy her love.” Lovina D’Souza with her late mother Emilda. Image credit: LOVINA D’SOUZA.
Whether through their nurturing presence, guiding words, or unwavering support, mothers hold a unique place in our hearts. As we celebrate Mother’s Day, let us honour their sacrifices and cherish the bond that transcends time.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the women who make the world a kinder and brighter place.