In 2015, the UK-based Yasmin Caird was 20 weeks pregnant when her unborn son was diagnosed with a deadly heart problem.
Rory had truncus arteriosus, a defect that causes too much blood to flow to the lungs, which over time can be fatal if left untreated.
The condition meant that within days of his birth, he would need open-heart surgery to survive.
The mom recalls that she could only see Rory briefly when he was born before he was taken to the paediatric intensive care unit. A little while later, at nine months old, doctors realised Rory needed more surgery.
Also see: 'God will send a cure': Toddler lives on borrowed time after rare genetic disease diagnosis
Despite his early health battle, Yasmin says her "miracle" son has since come on "leaps and bounds" and has become quite an athletic youngster.
Rory has taken up football and swimming in school, and according to his mom, he continues to make "huge progress".
Recently, Yasmin ran the annual 42 kilometres London Marathon to raise funds for the Evelina London Children's Hospital, where Rory received treatment and commemorated just how far her son has come.
"I was an experience I will never forget. I thought taking on the challenge of the marathon would be a small way of saying thank you".
Chatback:
Share your stories and questions with us via email at chatback@parent24.com. Anonymous contributions are welcome.
Don't miss a story!
For a weekly wrap of our latest parenting news and advice sign up to our free Parent24 newsletter.