In the quiet city of Singapore, a father’s world was shaken beyond imagination. Carol and her husband, Ehrol, had long dreamed of starting a family. After years of long-distance sacrifice — Carol working in Qatar and Ehrol working as a nurse in Singapore — they were finally reunited, got married, and prepared for the arrival of their miracle baby..
Then came the news no parent wants to hear: their baby, Chelsea Unica, was born at only 25 weeks. Weighing just 365 grams, Chelsea was tiny, fragile, and her body was ill-prepared for life outside the womb. Her first breath was not met with a cry of joy, but instead, the sound of machines working to keep her alive. She was hooked up to wires and tubes, her lungs too underdeveloped to work on their own, and the fight for her survival began.
Chelsea was admitted to the NICU on June 26, 2025, with her parents beside her, feeling helpless. Every day, every hour, every second was a battle. Doctors informed them of the severity of Chelsea’s condition — pulmonary hypertension, respiratory distress, and a multitude of complications that seemed impossible to overcome.
As a father, watching my daughter fight for each breath is something that no words can truly explain. I couldn’t hold her in my arms or even comfort her in the way a parent should. She was too small, too fragile, too vulnerable to even cry for me. All I could do was watch as she fought to stay alive.
Chelsea’s early days were filled with procedures — mechanical ventilation, blood transfusions, and surgeries to try to stabilize her. At times, we were told that she might not survive the next few hours. The uncertainty, the waiting, the constant fear — it was unbearable. But Chelsea, even as small as she was, showed signs of strength, her tiny body clinging to life in a way that filled us with both hope and fear.
Over the months, Chelsea made small, miraculous steps forward. From the first signs of improvement — when she opened her eyes and moved her limbs — we were overwhelmed with emotions. Each day brought us closer to the moment when we could hold her in our arms, feel her warmth, and see her grow.
At four months old, Chelsea had gained weight and reached 2 kilograms. Her feeds gradually increased, and she began to breathe more comfortably with less assistance. Her lungs were strengthening, and her heart was stable. The doctors said she was making progress — but there were still many challenges ahead. Chelsea was learning to suck on a pacifier, and her doctors were preparing her for her first bottle feeds. She smiled, she cooed, and she showed the resilience of a little warrior who refused to give up.
But as much as Chelsea had fought, we knew the battle was far from over. The medical bills had already reached over SGD $920,000, and as her treatment continues, the costs continue to pile up. As parents, we had already exhausted our savings, but we could not stop fighting for her future.
We work in healthcare — my husband as a nurse and I as a clinic secretary — but even with our Permanent Resident status in Singapore, we don’t qualify for full subsidies. We’ve already taken out loans, borrowed from family, and stretched every dollar, but the financial burden is overwhelming. Our daughter deserves to live, to grow, to smile, to be held, to have a chance at life — and we cannot let money stand in the way of that.
The road ahead is long. Chelsea may still need a full-time caregiver, specialized equipment, and ongoing rehabilitation. We are preparing for the future with love and hope, but we need help. We are raising funds in stages to ensure that Chelsea’s care is uninterrupted and that she continues to receive the treatment she so desperately needs.
As parents, we want to see our daughter thrive, not just survive. We want to see her reach the milestones that so many other children take for granted — to play, to laugh, to run. We believe that with continued care, Chelsea can live a life filled with joy and possibilities.
But we need your help. We humbly ask for your support — whether through financial assistance, sharing our story, or simply keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers. Every small act of kindness brings us one step closer to giving Chelsea the future she deserves.
Your generosity will go directly to the hospital to cover Chelsea’s medical expenses. Every cent will ensure that she continues to receive the care that has kept her alive and thriving.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of this journey with us. Your support means the world to us, and to Chelsea. Together, we can help her continue to grow, to fight, and to live.