Although Marcus Jr. survived his rough delivery, his father wrote on Facebook that he’d been “suffering from significant brain injury due to a prolonged period without oxygen during his birth.”
As a result of his injuries, the infant was relying on a breathing machine and feeding tube to stay alive.
Despite his challenges, People reports that things seemed to be progressing. According to Mary and Peter Camiolo, who organized a GoFundMe page for the Accurso family, Matthew Jr.’s vitals were strong. Further, they wrote that the infant was breathing well and “digesting food like a champ.”
However, that all changed the week of May 13.
According to a Facebook note posted by pastor Matt McCloghry, Matthew Sr. wrote:
“Today was one of the hardest days of my life. It will forever be etched in my brain. As a result of [his brain injury], several serious complications related to cognitive function and development have become a reality for Matthew. Over the past few weeks doctors have attempted to wean him off the machines, but sadly the results have not been positive. TODAY, I was faced with something no father should ever have to face. The decision to place Matthew on endless life supporting contraptions and medications or allow God to carry him where He will.”
Although the decision was difficult, the father said he still considers his son a “living miracle.”
The doctor wrote:
“What I’ve learned is that miracles are miracles whether we choose to see them or not. My miracle was having my soul mate by my side for almost 20 years and then being so blessed to give her 4 gorgeous babies. My miracle is holding my son for as many precious moments as possible and when the time comes, lifting him up to his mommy so that she can hold him for the first time in paradise.”
According to People, the pastor described Matthew Sr.’s wife, Lauren, as “bubbly,” “a strong believer,” and “incredible.”
Now, the doctor has made the decision to reunite his wife, whom he married in 2004, with their baby boy.
He said:
“I would be so grateful for your prayers in the coming days as we work with the doctors and medical staff and plan to see Matthew off to his mommy and Heavenly Father.”
The GoFundMe page for the family has raised over $160,000 of a $200,000 goal.