Miracle Malaya’s Story: The Heart of Miracle 8 Foundation

A Rare and Precious Beginning

On November 1, 2022, at just 31 weeks, Miracle Malaya was born weighing 2 lbs 11.6 oz. She entered the world as the twin sister of Faith, and together they shared a rare and extraordinary bond. Miracle and Faith were Monochorionic-Monoamniotic twins, also known as “mono-mono twins” — an incredibly uncommon condition that occurs in only 1% of identical twin pregnancies, representing about 0.1% of all pregnancies. Each year, only around 300 women in the United States experience this kind of twin pregnancy, making their bond both fragile and extraordinary.

A Brave Fight from the Start

Baby Miracle was born with multiple structural abnormalities that left doctors astounded. Through ultrasounds and tests, doctors saw that she had a hole in her stomach, a curved spine, a bladder divided into two sides, and what was thought to be a hole in her heart. The concern for her heart was greatest, as doctors feared it would require surgery within 12 to 24 hours of her life. By grace, that heart defect was not present, sparing her from immediate, high-risk surgery.

On November 7, 2022, Miracle underwent a complex operation that lasted six and a half agonizing hours. Her parents waited anxiously, clinging to hope. When doctors finally returned, they described how incredibly strong she had been through the procedure. Their baby girl had shown them resilience, even in her fragile body. amazing she had done.

Coral reef restoration in action, showcasing the vibrant underwater ecosystem.

A Difficult Turn

Later that night, Miracle’s condition began to change. Her tiny legs started turning purple, and her medical team had to release stitches to restore blood flow. By the next morning, she required a more extensive procedure to fully reopen her surgical site. Her parents visited her in the NICU that day, reassured by doctors that her body was still recovering from the medications.

But within minutes of stepping away for a meal, they received the call no parent ever wants to hear: “It looks like Miracle is not going to make it. You should come back.”

The Hardest Decision

When they returned, Miracle was surrounded by doctors and nurses doing all they could to keep her alive. Her physician tenderly asked the question no parent should face: “If her heart rate completely drops and there is no heartbeat at all, do you want us to pump her heart?”

Her parents, knowing how fragile and tiny her body was, made the courageous decision to preserve her wholeness rather than risk breaking her with chest compressions that offered little chance of success.

As the day wore on, her condition worsened. Oxygen could no longer reach her legs. Her body grew colder, bluer, more fragile. In one of the most selfless acts of love, her parents chose to remove her from the machines keeping her alive — to set her free from pain and suffering.

Marine protected area bustling with aquatic wildlife, illustrating the success of conservation efforts.

A Life That Changed Everything

At 6:34 pm on November 8, 2022, Miracle Malaya passed away in her father’s arms. Though her time on earth was brief, her impact was immeasurable. She lived just eight days, but her life became the seed of hope, healing, and community that is now the Miracle 8 Foundation.

Miracle will forever live on; it may not be in our arms but, she will last forever in our hearts.

Her Legacy Lives On

Miracle’s story is not just one of loss, but one of purpose. Out of the grief of her passing came a mission: to ensure that no parent walks through the pain of pregnancy or infant loss alone. Today, through support groups, care packages, remembrance events, and advocacy, Miracle’s life continues to touch countless families.

Miracle’s name reminds us that even the smallest lives can leave the greatest legacy. She is the heart of this foundation — and through her, we carry the mission of turning heartbreak into hope.

A Call to Action

Miracle’s life was brief, but her impact continues through the work of Miracle 8 Foundation. Today, countless families face the same heartbreak of pregnancy and infant loss or the challenges of the NICU. Your support ensures they never walk that journey alone. Join us in honoring Miracle’s legacy by giving, volunteering, or sharing our mission. Together, we can turn heartbreak into hope.