In a heartwarming and awe-inspiring tale of a mother’s boundless love and dedication, we meet Graziely Alves Régis, a 29-year-old woman from Brazil who is facing a rare and challenging medical condition. Shocking images reveal how her head has seemingly tripled in size due to this rare condition, one that tragically claims the lives of up to half of its sufferers before they even reach the age of three.
Graziely’s life story is one of resilience, strength, and the enduring love of a mother. Her ordeal began even before she was born when she developed hydrocephalus—an abnormal accumulation of fluid around the brain—in the womb. This condition creates dangerous pressure within the skull, potentially damaging internal tissues and distorting the shape of the skull itself. In severe cases, it can be fatal if it damages crucial areas of the brain responsible for controlling the heart and lungs.
Graziely’s mother, Adalgisa Soares Alves, aged 48, has become her daughter’s primary caregiver, providing constant care and support. Adalgisa’s unwavering hope is to give Graziely all the love and care she needs for as many years as possible.
Adalgisa’s journey began with an ominous sign during her pregnancy—intense pain in her womb when she was eight months pregnant with Graziely. An ultrasound revealed the presence of hydrocephalus, a condition that affects approximately one in every 500 babies. Doctors painted a grim picture, estimating that her baby might survive for only about three months given the severity of the condition.
When Graziely was born, her head was so unusually large that she was affectionately referred to as a ‘giant baby.’ However, despite the initial prognosis, she has defied expectations and will soon celebrate her 30th birthday. In most cases, hydrocephalus can be treated with surgery. Still, Adalgisa firmly believes that, in Graziely’s situation, nothing could have been done before or immediately after her birth.
Untreated hydrocephalus, like Graziely’s, often proves fatal, with approximately 50 percent of affected children not surviving past the age of three. Only about one in five make it to adulthood.
Despite the challenges and societal judgment that come with caring for a severely disabled child, Adalgisa remains steadfast in her love and commitment to Graziely. She has been unable to work, dedicating herself full-time to ensure her daughter’s well-being. Adalgisa’s daily routine revolves around bathing and feeding Graziely, who relies on adult diapers and bottle-feeding.
The financial strain is significant, with Graziely requiring 30 packs of adult diapers each month, costing £12.20 ($15.30) per pack, in addition to £366 ($459) per month for other essentials. Despite these hardships, Adalgisa is determined to provide Graziely with all the love and care she deserves for as long as she can.
Adalgisa’s unwavering hope is that Graziely will live for many more years. She believes in Graziely’s ability to transmit positive energy and feels an overwhelming sense of peace when visitors come to see her. Adalgisa knows that she will continue to give her daughter the best possible life because Graziely was born from her womb and was deeply loved and cherished from the beginning.
To raise awareness about their life and garner support for Graziely’s care, Adalgisa has turned to social media, sharing their journey with the world. While the response has been mixed, the family remains resilient in the face of adversity.
Hydrocephalus is a condition that affects not only children but can also develop in adults later in life due to various causes, such as head injuries, strokes, or brain tumors. Treatment typically involves shunt surgery, which drains excess fluid from the brain into the bloodstream for safe processing. While the outcome depends on the severity of hydrocephalus, about nine in ten children who receive treatment go on to live without long-term impacts on their life expectancy.
Graziely’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of a mother’s love and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Adalgisa’s unwavering dedication and love for her daughter are a testament to the enduring power of a mother’s love, reminding us all of the incredible strength that resides within us when we choose love and compassion, even in the most challenging circumstances.
