A Joyful Pregnancy Turned Into Fear

When Kristin and Jacob Tyler discovered they were expecting their second child in September 2023, their lives were filled with excitement. Already parents to a one-year-old son, they dreamed of becoming a happy family of four.

Like most parents, they looked forward to the 20-week anatomy scan as a moment of reassurance. Instead, it became the beginning of a journey they never could have imagined.

Doctors initially suspected spina bifida, a condition that immediately filled the couple with fear. But just a day later, a specialist delivered a different—and equally terrifying—diagnosis.

Their baby girl had sacrococcygeal teratoma, a rare tumor growing at the base of her spine.

Understanding a Rare and Dangerous Condition

Sacrococcygeal teratoma is an extremely rare condition, affecting approximately one in every 20,000 to 40,000 births. While some tumors are benign, they can grow rapidly and place immense strain on a developing baby’s body.

In Adalida’s case, the tumor was not just present—it was growing aggressively.

As these tumors expand, they draw blood supply away from the fetus, forcing the heart to work harder. This can lead to heart failure before birth if not carefully monitored.

For Kristin and Jacob, the diagnosis brought overwhelming uncertainty. There were no guarantees—only constant monitoring, specialist visits, and the quiet fear that something could go wrong at any moment.

A Family Divided by Distance and Determination

To give their daughter the best chance of survival, Kristin temporarily relocated to Houston, where specialized care was available. She was accompanied by her young son and her mother, while Jacob remained in Louisiana to continue working.

The separation was painful, but necessary.

Each day brought new scans, new measurements, and new anxieties. The tumor continued to grow, and so did the risks.

Despite everything, the family held onto hope.

A High-Risk Birth and a Critical First Fight

At 34 weeks pregnant, on May 21, Kristin underwent a cesarean section.

Adalida was born into a world of urgency rather than celebration.

Her tumor weighed nearly four pounds—almost two-thirds of her own body weight. Combined, her body and the tumor exceeded ten pounds.

Doctors compared the mass to the size of a small watermelon.

There was a very real risk it could rupture during delivery, which would have been life-threatening.

Kristin saw her daughter only briefly—through a screen—before Adalida was rushed to the NICU.

There were no immediate cuddles. No quiet bonding moments. Only the sound of machines and the preparation for surgery.

Life-Saving Surgery at Just Two Days Old

At just two days old, Adalida underwent a complex and delicate surgery to remove the tumor.

The operation required precision, planning, and immense skill. It was a defining moment—not only for her survival but for her future.

The tumor that had shaped months of fear was finally removed.

For her parents, it marked the beginning of a fragile but growing hope.

Recovery, Resilience, and a Miracle Unfolding

Following surgery, Adalida remained in the NICU, where doctors closely monitored her recovery.

Day by day, she began to show signs of strength.

Her tiny body, once burdened by a life-threatening condition, started to heal. She reached her due date on June 29 and, against the odds, was finally able to go home.

For Kristin, the transformation felt nothing short of miraculous.

Her daughter was not only alive—she was thriving.

A New Chapter: Challenges Still Ahead

While the tumor was gone, its impact remained.

Because of its size and location, the removal left Adalida with an unusually flat area at the base of her spine. Doctors have indicated that she may require reconstructive surgery between the ages of two and three.

This next step will not be about survival—but about helping her feel comfortable in her own body as she grows.

For her parents, it represents a different kind of challenge—one focused on the future, identity, and confidence.

The Power of Community and Unexpected Kindness

Throughout their journey, Kristin and her family found strength not only in medical care but in the kindness of others.

Strangers, friends, and communities rallied around them—offering support, encouragement, and compassion during their darkest moments.

It was something Kristin hadn’t expected, but it became a vital part of their journey.

In the face of fear, they discovered connection.

More Than Survival: A Story of Hope

Today, Adalida is no longer just a baby who faced a rare tumor.

She is a thriving child—growing, learning, and reaching milestones her parents once feared she might never see.

Her story is not defined by the tumor that once threatened her life, but by the strength she showed in overcoming it.

Every smile she shares carries a deeper meaning.

Every step forward is a victory.

A Reminder of Life’s Fragility and Strength

Adalida’s journey is a powerful reminder that even in the face of overwhelming uncertainty, hope can endure.

Her life stands as proof that resilience can begin at birth—and that even the smallest hearts can carry extraordinary strength.

For her family, every ordinary moment now feels extraordinary.

Because once, the future felt impossible.

And now, it’s full of promise.