A chance encounter at an amusement park turned into a lifesaving moment for a newborn named Lincoln, all thanks to a stranger’s keen instincts and courage to speak up.
Sarah Love, Lincoln’s mother, had no idea that her baby was battling a rare genetic condition that could have ended his life without intervention. But because one person decided to act on their concerns, Lincoln now has the chance to grow up and thrive.
A Mother’s Uncertainty and a Stranger’s Intervention
Lincoln, the sixth addition to the Love family, was born with visible signs of jaundice. While Sarah and her husband noticed the yellowing of his skin, pediatricians dismissed it as mild and suggested sunlight exposure as a remedy. Life with a newborn and five older children kept Sarah busy, but something about Lincoln’s appearance continued to worry her.
Her growing unease came to a head during a family trip to an amusement park. Amid the joy of the outing, Sarah noticed a stranger repeatedly glancing at Lincoln. Initially brushing it off as curiosity, she was surprised when the man approached her.
“He introduced himself and mentioned that he was a first responder,” Sarah shared with Good Morning America.
“He said he noticed Lincoln and how very jaundiced he was, and he didn’t want to scare us … but he just thought it might be a good idea for Lincoln to get some medical attention,” she added.
The stranger revealed only that he was a firefighter from a nearby county and didn’t share his name. Despite this, his observations struck a chord with Sarah. Acting on his advice, she decided to consult her pediatrician again.
A Diagnosis That Changed Everything
Sarah’s persistence led to a referral for blood tests at a local hospital. What began as routine bloodwork quickly escalated. Lincoln was hooked up to IV fluids, and medical professionals soon recommended transferring him to Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando for specialized care.
At Nemours, a series of tests and misdiagnoses followed before doctors finally identified the root cause: Alagille Syndrome. This rare genetic condition affects the liver, heart, and other parts of the body, explaining Lincoln’s yellow skin, deep-set eyes, and pointed chin.
While there is no cure for Alagille Syndrome, medications can help manage symptoms and enable patients to lead fulfilling lives. However, Lincoln’s journey is far from over. Depending on his response to treatment, he may one day require a liver transplant.
Additionally, his family will need to work closely with a nutritionist to address potential nutrient deficiencies throughout his life.
The Power of Speaking Up
Reflecting on the stranger’s intervention, Sarah admitted that his words gave her the extra push she needed to act on her instincts.
“It was that extra added bit of encouragement that we needed,” she said. The experience reinforced a valuable lesson for Sarah: “There are no silly questions when it comes to your baby’s health.”
Without the firefighter’s willingness to speak up, Lincoln’s condition might have gone undiagnosed until it was too late. This small yet significant act of kindness had an immeasurable impact on the Love family.
Raising Awareness and Searching for a Hero
Today, Sarah uses her experience to educate others about Alagille Syndrome. Through social media and community outreach, she shares information on how to recognize the condition’s symptoms in infants. Her mission is twofold: to raise awareness and to find the stranger who helped save Lincoln’s life.
“I don’t think there are enough words that can honestly describe how thankful our family is,” Sarah said.
“It was a tough thing to go through, but because of that one small thing that he did, look at how much of an impact he had on Lincoln, on our family. I just want to say thank you.”
Sarah hopes that sharing her family’s story will inspire others to trust their instincts and speak up when they notice something unusual, even if it feels uncomfortable.
A Lifelong Journey Ahead
While Lincoln’s diagnosis has reshaped the Love family’s lives, they remain optimistic. With proper medical care, a supportive family, and the dedication of healthcare professionals, Lincoln has a promising future. His story serves as a testament to the power of human compassion and the profound impact of even the smallest actions.
For Sarah and her family, the firefighter’s intervention will forever be a reminder that one moment of bravery can change the course of a life. As she continues her search for this unnamed hero, Sarah’s message is simple yet profound: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
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