SAN ANTONIO — 'Twas a due date of Christmas in the Gilchrist house. Their new baby was stirring and eager to come out.
Megan Gilchrist recalls having a smooth pregnancy with her son, Gideon, who made a perfectly punctual birthday debut.
"My due date was December 25th and on midnight on Christmas eve, my contractions began immediately," said Gilchrist, "He was so bizarrely on time."
For Gilchrist and her husband, Jacob, the Christmas dream became most parent's greatest nightmare. They realized their baby was unconscious and not breathing.
"The first time I held Gideon, he was dead," said Gilchrist. "As I was pushing, I could feel him moving the whole time, but when he came out, he just was lifeless."
After 10 minutes of emergency procedures performed by doctors and the desperate prayers of the family, Gideon was brought back to life. The lack of oxygen caused cell damage to the brain resulting in a type of cerebral palsy called hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy.
The family spent nearly two months in the NICU with limited interactions with their newborn. Despite Gideon's physical challenges, his family is counting their blessings and celebrating the symbolism of his miraculous birthday.
Gilchrist pointed out the parallels between two babies known for their miraculous births. "[Gideon] and Jesus are having the best birthday ever, she said "We had a miracle...that he was dead and now alive."
Each year since Gideon's birth has been accompanied by small strides of progress that make for huge holiday highlights. "Last Christmas, he sat up for the first time." said Gilchrist "Now, I wonder what's going to happen this Christmas and what he's going to surprise us with."
Gideon is still in need of special therapies and equipment for his development. When his story was first posted on social media, the San Antonio community was quick to respond. Some local churches, businesses, and complete strangers started efforts to raise awareness and support for the Gilchrist family with hopes to make Gideon's second birthday another miraculous Christmas.
Click here to learn more how the community is helping.