Scarlett was diagnosed with glutaric acidemia type 2 when she was a month old, after spending two weeks after her birth in the pediatric intensive care unit. Her parents, Veronica and Ruben Sanchez of Shreveport, are keeping Scarlett’s memory alive through a generous donation to the Louisiana Metabolic Disorders Coalition that was raised through a t-shirt fundraiser to memorialize their precious little girl.
Memories of Scarlett, written by her mom, Veronica:
We prayed for her for more than 10 years before she came into our lives and loved her long before she was even in my belly. She was an easy baby, didn’t cry much – but when she did, you knew she wasn’t feeling well. Scarlett was loved not just by her family members but by everyone we crossed paths with. She always attracted everyone’s attention with her beautiful dark curls and loved waving at people. I loved dressing her up and fixing her hair, and people would always stop to tell me what a beautiful baby I had! My heart overflowed with the joy of being her mom.
Scarlett was not only beautiful on the outside, but on the inside as well. She was a smart little girl, and even as a toddler wanted to put her own medicine through her g-tube! She kept her three therapists in line when they came for visits, always making sure they knew she was the boss!
Scarlett loved music and dancing, and Mexican music was her favorite! She loved to watch “The Notekins,” “Bubble Guppies” and “Cocomelon.” Her laughter was contagious! Her favorite thing to eat – and the only food she loved – was strawberries. She loved “bombas” – that’s what she called balloons – and we had to get her one every time we went into a store that sold them, or she would not be happy with us!
Scarlett loved her family. She was a daddy’s girl – but at the end of the day, she always wanted her mama! She loved her cousins and enjoyed playing with them when she was feeling bad. Her grandparents, aunts and uncles all loved her so much. I don’t even have the words to describe how much her daddy and I loved her. Two years were not enough and losing her was losing everything. My heart broke into a million pieces when we lost her. But I continue to live for her every day.
We are so thankful to the doctors and nurses that cared for Scarlett, as well our family members and friends who were there for us. Our beautiful girl was only in this world a short time, but she was loved and adored by everyone who met her. We are happy that making this donation will keep her memory alive and give you all the chance to know our Scarlett!
Having a special child was so hard, especially when she was born with a rare disease we didn’t even know existed. I didn’t have any support except for our doctors and we had to learn as we went along. I lived with worry every day of her life – but without a doubt I would do it all over again.
We are so thankful to the doctors and nurses that cared for Scarlett, as well our family members and friends who were there for us. Our beautiful girl was only in this world a short time, but she was loved and adored by everyone who met her. We are happy that making this donation will keep her memory alive and give you all the chance to know our Scarlett!
Contact Veronica
Scarlett’s mother, Veronica, wants parents to be able to contact her directly for support. If you would like to get in touch with Veronica, please email her at lanennasanchez5@yahoo.com
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