Toddler whose family shared her battle with anencephaly on Facebook has died

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — Baby Angela, who touched the world with her “miraculous journey with anencephaly,” has died.

“It is with great sadness I share that Angela went to heaven Saturday, December 16, 2017 at 6 p.m.,” Sonia Morales, who is Baby Angela’s mother, announced on Facebook Sunday morning. “She was surrounded by the family who accepted her and welcomed her to a home where she felt loved and lived a meaningful life.”

Baby Angela, who was born on March 23, 2014, passed a little more than three months shy of her fourth birthday.

“Angela had an incredible journey,” Sonia, of Providence, wrote. “Her time on earth was full of love and joy. She overcame many obstacles and was a living miracle from day one.”

When Sonia was 16 weeks pregnant, she and her husband, Rony, received heart-wrenching news. They learned that their unborn baby suffered from anencephaly, which is the absence of a major portion of the brain, skull, and scalp that occurs during embryonic development.

Doctors told them their child would probably be stillborn or only live a few hours to a couple of days. Morales said councilors also informed them that many women decide to have abortions after such a poor prenatal diagnosis.

But Sonia refused to terminate the pregnancy, giving birth to Baby Angela five months later. They Baptized her Catholic 20 minutes after she was born.

“Angela was born during lent, baptized at birth and was confirmed during the Easter vigil. Angela’s passing came during Advent, once again pointing others to Christ” Sonia wrote. “She will be greatly missed. Angela, pray for us!”

Sonia added that her daughter was a testament to the sanctity of life, touching peoples' lives across the globe.

“(She) gave many people a new perspective, as well as a reason to hope. She was a living testimony that ALL lives matter from the moment of conception until natural death. She touched the hearts and minds of people all over the world,” Sonia said. “Our family did everything we could to make the most of the time we had with her. We advocated, supported her in every step of her life. We embraced every moment from the time she was born, until the time she went to heaven. She was treated and cared with dignity and respect until the moment she took her last breath.”