On October 1, 2013, our lives changed forever when we welcomed our triplet daughters — Jenna, Maya, and Eva — into the world at Lankenau Medical Center. Born prematurely and weighing just over three pounds each, they immediately began their fight in the NICU. After one week, we received a devastating early-morning call that Maya had developed Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), a life-threatening intestinal disease that affects premature babies. We were overwhelmed with fear, having never heard of NEC before, and rushed to the hospital to meet with doctors and understand her chances.

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When medical treatment failed to improve Maya’s condition, we had to make the unimaginable decision to approve emergency surgery. After meeting several surgeons, we placed our trust in Dr. Burman at Nemours Children’s Hospital, whose compassion and expertise gave us comfort during the scariest moment of our lives. Maya was transported by ambulance to Nemours in Wilmington, Delaware, while Jenna and Eva remained at Lankenau. We were warned that the outcome of surgery was uncertain and were even prepared for the possibility of losing her. After hours of prayer and support from nurses, family, and a visiting priest, Dr. Burman shared the news: Maya survived, but about 75 percent of her intestines had to be removed. She would live with Short Bowel Syndrome, but she had a chance at a full life.

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Maya’s recovery would be long and uncertain. After surgery, her body was so inflamed that doctors could not close her abdomen right away, leaving the wound open so her body could swell and heal. She remained critically ill, and every day felt like an emotional roller coaster — one step forward followed by two steps back. During that time, Jenny and I lived between hospitals, traveling from our home in Downingtown to Wilmington to be with Maya and then to Wynnewood to spend time with Jenna and Eva. We also spent time at the Ronald McDonald House Charities, doing our best to find moments of rest during an incredibly exhausting time.

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One day during Maya’s recovery, Jenny walked into Nemours completely exhausted and emotionally drained when she happened to run into the head of pediatrics, Dr. Greenspan. He immediately noticed the toll the situation had taken on her and stopped to ask what her story was. After Jenny explained everything our family had been going through, he didn’t hesitate. He wrote an order on the spot to have Jenna and Eva transported by ambulance to Nemours so our family could finally be reunited, a decision that meant everything to us. When Jenna and Eva arrived in the NICU and were placed in Maya’s crib, they instinctively wrapped their tiny arms around their sister in the most loving embrace. It was one of the most emotional moments Jenny and I have ever experienced and one we will never forget. The doctors and nurses at Nemours gave us a renewed sense of hope, and from that moment on it felt like a turning point. Slowly but surely, Maya began to grow stronger.

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Over the next several months, Maya endured multiple surgeries and a long recovery in the hospital. During that time, Jenna and Eva eventually came home, while we spent countless days and nights traveling back and forth to be by Maya’s side. The doctors and nurses at Nemours didn’t just treat Maya. They cared for our entire family. They supported us, educated us, and gave us strength when we needed it most.

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After a long and fragile recovery, Maya finally came home on February 27, 2014 — our wedding anniversary. We remain forever grateful to the doctors and nurses at Nemours Children’s Hospital, whose skill, kindness, and compassion carried our family through the hardest chapter of our lives.

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Maya’s fight inspired us to create Maya’s Angels and host JFEST, an unforgettable evening of music, love, and giving back. Our goal is to raise $100,000 for the NICU at Nemours, and once we reach this milestone, the hospital will honor Maya by naming the entire department after our shining daughter, Maya Rose Izzi. As we gather together, we invite you to be part of this incredible mission — to give hope, to support families in their darkest hours, and to ensure that the next child facing life-threatening challenges receives the same care and love that saved our Maya. Every note played, every smile shared, and every gift given brings us closer to that dream. Together, we can make a lasting impact — for Maya, for her sisters, and for every child who deserves a fighting chance.