14 Jun 2018

Community mourns the death of Samoa's 'Baby Miracle'

3:54 pm on 14 June 2018

A big turnout is expected at the funeral of a girl who lived for a decade with congenital abnormalities in Samoa tomorrow.

Julie Nanai

Julie Nanai Photo: Kristin Taylor

Known as Baby Miracle, Julie Nanai was born in Samoa in September 2007 to parents Mikaele and Sefulu Nanai but she was expected to die within hours.

Her parents ignored doctors orders not to feed her and she started to recover.

Abnormalities included a cleft palate, spina bifida, part of her brain was missing and her eyes were misshapen.

Our correspondent in Samoa Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia said hers was an incredible story of unconditional love, support and of not giving up hope.

"Baby Miracle's story is really heartbreaking because I think there are a lot of other children born with disabilities, but for her case it was something really different and very hard for the parents to care and look for help in order for her to survive."

Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia said Julie Nanai had many operations, and her plight touched many people who gave support through fundraising campaigns in Samoa and globally.

Julie Nanai died peacefully on Sunday.