An Italian woman is celebrating a long road to recovery after waking up from a 10-month coma.
Cristina Rosi was 37-years-old and seven months pregnant when a heart attack landed her in a coma. Doctors performed an emergency C-section to deliver Christina's daughter, Caterina.
Upon waking up from her coma, Cristina's first word was "mamma," letting those around her know that she knew she'd become a mom in the time she'd be in the coma. Now, her family is preparing to take the next steps to her recovery.
After 10 months in a coma, Cristina Rosi uttered her first word: "mamma." She repeated the word again, to the surprise of her loved ones. The 37-year-old is recovering from a heart attack that occurred during her seventh month of pregnancy.
Cristina was home with husband Gabriele Succi when she had the heart attack. The couple's daughter was delivered via emergency C-section following the cardiac event. Gabriele was heartbroken as both his wife and his daughter began difficult roads to recovery on that day.
Both Cristina and the baby, Caterina, suffered brain damage from being deprived of oxygen. Both needed equipment to assist with breathing and feeding as doctors and specialized therapists worked with both, who were in separate locations throughout the process. These circumstances made Cristina's first word all the more significant.
"A real joy after so much suffering," her husband told La Nazione.
"Even the doctors in the room have confirmed that Cristina has said her first word."
Cristina continues to have physiotherapy and other treatments. She's had her tracheostomy tube removed and is making strides.
"My wife breathes and swallows by herself," her husband shared. "Seeing her progress today and rethinking her only a few months ago with all the tests she had to overcome, it seems like a miracle."
Caterina also still needs round-the-clock care for her recovery. The family has been able to get them this far with GoFundMe donations and is reaching out for more help.
"Three months in the clinic has cost 104,000 euros," her husband noted.
"So far we have been able to guarantee Cristina the therapies, thanks to which she has improved," he added.
"We cannot stop now. My wife and daughter deserve to go home in the best possible condition. Everyone's helped, each with what they can."
