That question led her to Dr. Ruben Quintero, a specialist at the Fetal Therapy Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital. He proposed something bold: an endoscopic fetal surgery, an experimental procedure never before attempted for this kind of tumor.
Tammy agreed without hesitation.
In a delicate and innovative procedure, Dr. Quintero inserted a tiny camera and surgical tools through a small incision in Tammy’s abdomen while she was awake under local anesthesia. Guided by the live images, he carefully located the tumor and cut the stem that connected it to the baby.
Tammy described the moment as surreal: “It felt like a balloon popping inside me.” The tumor, now harmless, floated freely in the womb and began to shrink on its own.
Four months later, Tammy delivered a healthy baby girl named Leyna. Doctors successfully removed what remained of the tumor after birth, leaving behind only a small scar.
“She’s happy, healthy, and full of energy,” Tammy shared. “You’d never know what she went through.”
Leyna’s birth wasn’t just a personal victory—it became a milestone in the field of fetal medicine. The success of her surgery has since inspired continued research and possibilities for other families facing similar challenges.
Tammy’s story is more than a medical achievement. It’s a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from love, perseverance, and belief in something better. In the face of uncertainty, she asked the right question—and changed not just her baby’s future, but the future of fetal care for countless others.