We are raising money for London Kings College The Harris Birthright Research Centre for Fetal Medicine and for Ickle Pickles; who assist hospitals in providing intensive care in Neonatal Units. The money is being raised in memory of Mia Barros, who passed away on the 12th of March from a rare genetic condition called MMIHS.

Megacystis Microcolon Intestinal Hypoperistalsis Syndrome was first described by Walter Berdon in 1976, which is why the condition can also be referred to as Berdon Syndrome. It is found in females three or four times more than in males and It affects the bladder, gastrointestinal system and kidney complications are very common

Mia Barros, was diagnosed with having an enlarged bladder at 20 weeks utero and due to the quick reactions of specialist, Professor Kypros Nicolaides at Kings College Harris Birthright centre, a shunt was inserted into her bladder which allowed the bladder to pass urine. Unfortunately, as time passed other complications appeared and Mia was showing signs of gastrointestinal issues. At this point, specialists could not confirm that she had MMIHS. However, her parents were told that there may be a chance she could have the condition but was too soon to be sure. As the pregnancy progressed, Mia showed good signs of growth and other functions which gave her mum and dad hope that when born, there was the potential for life saving surgery.

In the early hours of the 10th of March, at 32 weeks, Mia entered the world via emergency c-section at Queens hospital in Romford and proved that she was a fighter. Everyone from her family were overjoyed that she had arrived safely and had taken after her parent’s strength and bravery. Although premature, she was able to breathe on her own on the first day, giving everyone hope and was transferred to NICU at The Royal London Hospital in East London. It was here that doctors and specialist prepared to operate on her bladder and bowel as she showed signs of being unable to pass faecal matter. After a long surgery, doctors indicated that Mia’s colon was blocked in over 46 places. To hear that her condition was inoperable is a parents worst nightmare and both mum and dad were asked to prepare themselves as she didn’t have much time left.

On her second day of life, Mia was on life support in the NICU in The Royal London Hospital and as a family we all prepared to say goodbye to the most precious gift that we had received. Mum and Dad held her in those final hours and passed away on Tuesday the 12th of March. Her parents recognise how wonderful the specialists, nurses and doctors have been throughout which is why they feel that this is how they can show their appreciation for all that was done for Mia.

If you would like to show your support for the charities that helped Mia and continue to help babies with rare conditions, then a donation is the best gift you can give to remember baby Mia. Mum and Dad are grateful for all the amazing support given to them at the Harris Birthright Centre, Queens Hospital in Romford and NICU at Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel.

Thank you.

https://www.kch.nhs.uk/service/a-z/harris-birthright https://www.icklepickles.org/