We sit scratching those irritating red bumps and cursing the tiny and bothersome insects that gave them to us. But more often than not, we deal with a few days of insufferable itching before going about our days.

But for Naomi, a sweet young girl from Puerto Rico, a single mosquito bite set her on an unexpected path and changed her life forever. 

In late 2015 and early 2016, the Zika virus became mainstream news in the U.S. The outbreak initially gained attention due to a significant uptick in cases in Brazil, where it was linked to microcephaly, a severe birth defect.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued travel warnings, and the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern in February 2016. This heightened awareness and media coverage, particularly as cases spread to other parts of the Americas, including the U.S. But still, little was known about how the virus would impact babies.

At 30 weeks pregnant, Dennise received the shocking news that her unborn child might be affected by Zika. The virus, primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, can cause serious health issues, particularly when contracted during pregnancy. The virus can cross the placenta, potentially affecting the developing fetus.

Faced with fear and uncertainty, Dennise chose to continue the pregnancy and fight for her daughter.

When Naomi was born, she became the first child in Puerto Rico diagnosed with Zika-related complications, which can cause severe brain abnormalities, developmental delays, and other health issues. The diagnosis brought more questions than answers, as little was known about the long-term effects on children.

But Dennise was determined to give Naomi the best life possible, regardless of the challenges ahead.

Despite all the unknown, Naomi was here and she was loved.

“During a visit to friends in Georgia, Naomi got sick and ended up in the hospital,” her mom Dennise explained. “It was hard but the experience proved pivotal, as the medical staff in Georgia had more experience with Zika-related cases due to travelers from South America. Their knowledge and expertise opened up new possibilities for Naomi’s care and development.”

So, not long after that visit, Dennise made a life-changing decision: she and Naomi moved to Atlanta, Georgia, in search of better medical care and opportunities for Naomi.

Leaving behind most of her family in Puerto Rico wasn’t easy, but Dennise knew it was the right choice for Naomi’s future. The move proved to be a blessing. The medical community in Georgia embraced Naomi's case, forming a dedicated team to provide her with the resources, equipment, and specialized care she needed. This support has been crucial in Naomi’s progress and well-being.

In addition to her Zika-related complications, Naomi was also diagnosed with autism. For Dennise, who had experience working with children with special needs in Puerto Rico, this diagnosis was a new challenge. However, armed with knowledge and unending love for her daughter, she provided Naomi with the therapy and support she needed to thrive.

Naomi is not just a survivor; she’s a little star with a big personality. Always smiling and full of life, Naomi loves a bit of drama—her expressive nature often brings a laugh to those around her.

Dennise describes her daughter as a smart girl who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to show it. Naomi is surrounded by love and support, which she fully embraces, knowing her family and friends cherish her.

“She’s a kid that knows she has big love and people around her who love and support her, and she definitely takes advantage of it,” Dennise said with a laugh.

Nowadays, Naomi’s schedule is full of therapy and doctor appointments. For a family that relies heavily on regular medical visits and therapy sessions, reliable transportation is crucial. The old vehicle they owned was frequently in and out of the shop, often causing disruptions to Naomi's care.

It got so bad that one day, the staff at the car dealership approached Dennise and told her about an organization that might be able to help with an accessible vehicle: Chive Charities.

“They said they were worried about seeing me have to fix my old vehicle all the time, especially having a medically fragile child like Naomi, and said I should apply and see what happens,” said Dennise.

So, she decided to roll the dice and see if it might land her way.

And it did! With the support of our donor community, we were able to approve and fund the cost of a 2020 Toyota Sienna van with wheelchair accessibility for a total impact of $54,948.

Now, with the new van, Naomi can look forward to more than just medical trips. She loves to explore, and this vehicle will be her ticket to new adventures. Whether it’s a visit to a local park or a simple drive around the neighborhood, Naomi’s world just got a whole lot bigger.

No one could have predicted how a mosquito could cause so many challenges for so many people, including Naomi and Dennise. But they also couldn’t have predicted how hard they would work to overcome them. 

The support from Chive Charities and our donors has been instrumental in providing Naomi with the resources she needs. But the journey doesn’t end here. There are many more families like hers who need assistance, and you can be a part of their stories.

Join us in making the world 10% happier by supporting incredible individuals like Naomi. Your contributions help provide life-changing resources, from medical equipment to transportation, allowing these families to focus on what’s most important—loving and caring for each other. DONATE HERE.