The Mukhtar Family

Scroll down to see updates as the Mukhtar family progresses in their CDH Journey! (All updates are written and given by parents with consent)

Initial Backstory

Wahi is our first child, and at 18 weeks and 5 days, we received her diagnosis. It has been an incredibly difficult journey, marked by many hospital visits that left us feeling hopeless. After visiting three of the top children's hospitals, we finally found Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in Florida, where we felt confident in the care and expertise available. The decision to move nearly 1,000 miles from home was not easy, but we knew we had to give Wahi the best chance possible by seeking care from one of the top CDH surgeons in the country. This transition has been challenging, but ECCF’s generosity and support have made itmore manageable. We are beyond grateful for your kindness during this time.

Update 3/7/25

I relocated to St. Pete in early February. After helping me move in to the Ronald McDonald’s house my husband had to go back to Maryland for his job. It was hard for me to watch him leave at the airport. I spent the next three weeks in St. Pete dealing with my gestational diabetes, occasional migraines and weekly doctors appointments. 

2 days before my husband was supposed to come I got an MRI at 35 weeks and found out that my daughter’s case has become even more severe. Her lung volume is now around 12%. Doctors moved her delivery date from March 25th to March 12. It will be a scheduled Csection. They want to avoid further risks by bringing her here in a controlled environment. It was a very sudden and unexpected news. We are now only 6 days away from my daughter’s arrival. I cannot wait to see her but also sad that she has to leave the safety of my body. Hoping for her journey to be full of healing and happiness. 

Update 3/26/25

Wahi was born March 12th. I had a Csection and baby girl came out at 37 weeks with 2 small cries. They immediately took her away and got her intubated. She had her surgery March 17th. She only had 15% lung volume during surgery. She has been a little fighter and we are so beyond proud of her. She has had challenges along the way but she is so strong. My 6lbs8oz fighter!!