In a world where the power of prayer and faith often provides comfort in the face of adversity, Phoebe Finch’s remarkable journey offers a testament to resilience and hope, with the strength of both her family and faith guiding her along the way.
Phoebe was born prematurely in February 2018, alongside her twin brother Joe, after a 51-hour labor when her mother, Katie, was just 32 weeks pregnant. Weighing only 2lb 19oz, Phoebe’s life began in the most fragile of circumstances. Doctors at Sunderland Royal Hospital immediately diagnosed Phoebe with necrotising enterocolitis, a condition that caused her bowel tissue to become infected and die. Katie recalls the overwhelming fear of the unknown that surrounded her daughter’s survival, saying, “It all happened so quickly. We were living everyday fearing the unknown” (Chronicle Live).
The severity of Phoebe’s condition meant she had to undergo surgery to remove most of her bowel at just two weeks old. Her parents were told she had only an 8% chance of pulling through. “We were told that Phoebe had only 8% chance of pulling through her surgery and that the next 72-hours were crucial. It was down to her to fight for her life” (Chronicle Live). In this time of uncertainty, Katie and her husband, Billy, found comfort in their faith, relying on prayer and the support of those around them to face each day.
Despite the grave prognosis, Phoebe’s determination to survive proved miraculous. However, her struggles were far from over. She later suffered a cardiac arrest, a complication from the medication she was receiving for pulmonary atresia with VSD, a form of heart disease. Phoebe was then rushed into open-heart surgery. Yet, as Katie described, “The little fighter battled defiantly on” (Chronicle Live). Just weeks later, Phoebe suffered another cardiac arrest, which led to a stroke and seizures. At just 23 weeks old, Phoebe also contracted sepsis and was once again rushed to intensive care.
Katie’s strength as a mother was tested, but through it all, she never lost hope. “Six months later we could start to try to relax. But even after we brought her home I slept by her cot every night to make sure that she was ok and not taking ill at any point” (Chronicle Live). Through her prayers, she found peace amid the trials. By the time Phoebe reached six months old, she was finally able to go home and be reunited with her twin brother, Joe.
Now 18 months old, Phoebe is a joyful toddler, though she still faces challenges, including short bowel syndrome, requiring her to have a feeding peg for medication, fluids, and food. But, as her mother Katie shares, “If anyone asked me who my hero is, it would be my little girl. She is my hero” (Chronicle Live). Phoebe’s survival and recovery are nothing short of a miracle.
The Finch family’s journey also highlights the difficult reality of premature birth, which affects around 60,000 babies each year in the UK alone, according to the charity Bliss. The risks of prematurity are significant, and preterm infants may face long-term health complications, including cerebral palsy and behavioral difficulties. For parents facing such uncertainty, it’s important to lean on both professional guidance and the comforting embrace of faith. As Bliss suggests, “If you are worried about your baby’s development please speak to a health professional” (Chronicle Live). But also, as Catholics, we know that in moments of such deep distress, God’s presence can be a source of profound strength and healing.
Katie and Billy’s gratitude for the care Phoebe received led them to support organizations that helped their family during the hardest times. With the aid of Tiny Lives, a charity supporting premature and sick newborn babies, and the Children’s Heart Unit Fund, they have now set up their own fundraising page to give back. Katie’s message is one of hope and courage, underscoring that no one should ever lose faith, even in the darkest hours.
Phoebe’s story reminds us all that even the smallest among us can possess the greatest strength. It calls on us to pray for families in similar situations and to be a source of support for those who need it most. As we reflect on Phoebe’s journey, we are reminded of the power of faith and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds.
May we all carry Phoebe’s story in our hearts, and let it inspire us to find strength in God during our own trials.
