Family celebrates girl's miracle recovery

Last year on Christmas Eve, Karine and her family suffered a terrible blow. The second-youngest of her seven children, Marylou, had recently contracted Lemierre's syndrome, a virus that attacks the muscles and causes blood clots in the neck. Her body weakened, she suffered a brain hemorrhage. They didn't know if she would ever fully regain consciousness.

“Her doctor said she would be a vegetable the rest of her life,” Karine said. Marylou was intubated for months because she couldn't breathe on her own.

Karine said Marylou's entire body, except for her heart, shut down. But then something incredible happened. In March, they removed the tube, and Marylou started breathing on her own. And soon, she started talking, and it became evident her brain functions and memories had remained intact. Her doctor said he had never seen a recovery like it.

“The doctor called it a miracle,” Karine said. The hope is Marylou's case will help doctors treat other kids with the same condition.

This year, Karine is thrilled that all seven of her children will be able to celebrate Christmas together as a family. Marylou is back at school and relearning how to walk.

Karine needed to adapt the house for her daughter so she can get around in her wheelchair.

“Her bedroom is now on the first floor, and we redid her room so she can get around,” Karine said. “We also built a ramp and changed the bathroom.” She estimates they've spent $10,000 out of pocket.

Karine will be one of the thousands of Montrealers to receive a $125 cheque from the Montreal Gazette Christmas Fund. The fund helps make the holidays a little easier for those in tough situations.