Hearts Break Over What 7-Year-Old Says About Newborn Brother
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The internet has been moved to tears by what a young girl from Ontario, Canada, said about her newborn brother.
Sarah Prebianca (@mrs.sarahprebianca) posted a reel on Instagram, capturing the two siblings together. Caught in a sad moment off camera, her daughter says, "I hope he doesn't die."
The 34-year-old knew exactly where Camilla's words had come from. Nearly two years ago, Camilla experienced the unimaginable—the death of her sister, Georgia, from a rare genetic condition called Lesch-Nyhan syndrome.
Camilla, 7, reading to newborn brother and cradling him in her arms while smiling up at the camera.
Camilla, 7, reading to newborn brother and cradling him in her arms while smiling up at the camera.
@mrs.sarahprebianca
"Though she was so excited for a new sibling, she worried she might lose him too," the mom of three told Newsweek. "I don't think she fully realizes how rare it is to lose a sibling, but because she has already experienced that kind of loss, she fears it could happen again."
Georgia was one of only 17 girls ever known to be diagnosed with the disorder, which primarily affects boys and brings severe physical and neurological challenges.
Her short life was defined by courage and struggle. She couldn't walk or talk, suffered from kidney stones, dystonia and compulsive self-injury.
Prebianca and her husband Connor, 33, dedicated their lives to making her days as full of comfort and love as possible. In her final moments, Georgia was held by her mother, with her father by her side.
Camilla, who was 5 at the time, was present through it all.
"When [we] told Camilla that Georgia's body wasn't working anymore and she was going to die, her first worry was about forgetting her sister as she grew up," Sarah told Newsweek. "We promised her we would make as many memories as we could in Georgia's final days."
With help from a child life therapist and the generosity of local photographers and videographers, the family captured Georgia's final weeks—including a mold of Camilla holding her sister's hand and cherished polaroid photos taken by Camilla herself.
But while memories were preserved, grief remained—and it's changed shape over time.
"The child life therapist explained to us that grief often affects children in puddles," Sarah said. "One moment they're immersed in deep emotion, and the next they're asking for a snack or telling a joke—that was very accurate for Camilla at first."
"The grief came in waves but was short-lived," Sarah continued. "Now, as time has passed, it's hitting her harder and lasting longer, especially in the evenings."
Sometimes Camilla will talk about the "heaviness in her heart" when remembering Georgia. She also writes letters to her in heaven but other times, like in that reel, she worries about losing again.
"Her fear of losing Cal is something I carry too, even though he's completely healthy," Sarah added.
The reel, which has been viewed 2.7 million times, has broken hearts across the internet.
"I can so relate to this. My 6yo has lost her 8yo brother (she was almost 5 then). The worries she has... it's heart breaking," one user shared.
"I've never lost a child but i imagine one of the worst parts is seeing the grief through your other children not feeling you can comfort them [because] you're hurting too," another user wrote.
Their faith, once shaken by Georgia's suffering and death, became a lifeline for the family again.
"The laments in Psalms became my greatest solace and gave me the permission I needed to unload my sorrow and questions to Him," Sarah said. "There is still a pain point in why God didn't choose to heal our girl, but knowing she's experiencing joy and no longer suffering brings deep comfort.
Georgia's presence is never far. Sarah, Connor and Camilla talk about her often. They make plans to ensure baby Cal knows his big sister's story.
"Grief has a way of showing up uninvited—in unexpected moments, in milestones, and surprising places," Sarah told Newsweek. "We are slowly but surely learning that healing doesn't mean forgetting, and sorrow doesn't diminish love. Georgia will always have our love, and hers goes with us wherever we go."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
6 hours ago
- Newsweek
Mom Captures Moment With Toddler, Just Days Later She'll Be Gone
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A mom from Ontario, Canada, captured a moment with her toddler, not knowing it would be one of the last memories together. Tamara Spearing, 31, posted a reel on Instagram holding and kissing her daughter. Days later, Gwendolyn was gone. Spearing told Newsweek that she was pregnant with Gwendolyn at 26. She had just bought her first home and was working two jobs. From left: Tamara Spearing holds her toddler daughter in her arms and kisses her head in dark lighting. From left: Tamara Spearing holds her toddler daughter in her arms and kisses her head in dark lighting. @tamaraspearing_ Spearing's days were full—friends, family, healthy living and big dreams. "I had full trust in the universe and what life was going to look like for me," she said. "That was until my life drastically changed within a matter of days." Gwendolyn was what Spearing called her "pleasant surprise." While her pregnancy was unplanned, she said she quickly embraced it. "I remember daydreaming what my child would look like; who they would grow up to be," Spearing said. "For me, my pregnancy was just the beginning of something amazing, and I was so, so excited to be a mama." At 28 weeks and five days, Spearing went into premature labor—a terrifying experience that unfolded while she was visiting Gwendolyn's father, who had recently been admitted to the ICU after a serious accident. "I didn't want to believe it as I was hardly into my third trimester," she added. Spearing walked herself to the labor and delivery floor, where she was met by a team of specialists. "I faintly remember looking over to the bedside nurse, asking her what I should expect and begging and pleading for a safe arrival of my baby," Spearing said. "I told the nurse, 'That wasn't my birth plan. I don't even have a nursery at home.' "She looked at me and said, 'Hunny, there is no such thing as a birth plan'," Spearing said. Within two hours and just three pushes, Gwendolyn was born at 2 pounds, 10 ounces. What followed were months of medical hurdles. Gwendolyn was diagnosed with Esophageal Atresia with Tracheoesophageal Fistula (EA/TEF)—a rare congenital condition where the esophagus doesn't connect to the stomach. Gwendolyn's prematurity brought additional complications: brain bleeds, underdeveloped lungs, multiple surgeries, code blues (where a patient requires resuscitation or is in need of immediate medical attention) and long hospital stays. Overall, Gwendolyn spent 170 days in hospital before being cleared to go home. Against the odds, she was thriving and hitting every milestone, according to her mom. "Appointments were further and farther between; she was attending playgroups and making friends; she was learning and discovering as a child should be at her age," Spearing said. "For the first time in her life, she was able to be just a kid." Then, on April 5, their world came crashing down. "For us, it was a normal day," Spearing added. "Little did I know this day would change my life forever." That evening, Gwendolyn's heart stopped. The autopsy provided no definitive cause. Some specialists suspect a catastrophic seizure or undetected heart failure. Spearing explored genetic counseling in the aftermath but was overwhelmed by the lack of answers. "I may never know why my daughter passed, and although I know now sometimes things just aren't meant to have an explanation, I still lay awake at nights contemplating the days leading up to her death and wondering if there was something I missed and if there was something apparent; maybe I could have saved her," Spearing said. Now, three years later, grief remains a constant companion. Spearing said that she barely remembers anything after Gwendolyn passed. "I was very angry. I lost trust in the universe and I questioned my beliefs," she added. "I wanted nothing more than to wake up from this nightmare that I was living in. I couldn't understand why a beautiful, innocent soul, who fought so hard to be here, only to be taken so abruptly." Out of her grief, Spearing created The Gwen Effect, a foundation honoring her daughter's legacy. It supports premature infants and children with complex medical conditions, funds research, and offers community support for grieving families. "I found a way of turning my pain into a purpose," Spearing said. "I continue to speak on grief and life after loss as I truly believe it is something that needs to be talked about more." The foundation's mission is clear: raise awareness, provide resources and create spaces where both grief and hope can coexist. Through it, Gwendolyn continues to touch lives. "Gwen was a ray of sunshine," Spearing said. "She was born tiny but mighty. Her passion for life while in and out of hospital showed us and many others how precious our time is. She was strong and brave."
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Stinging and 'wicked' Asian needle ants are spreading across the US
An invasive species of stinging, carnivorous ants have been slowly spreading in about 20 states. Last year at least three cases of life-threatening anaphylactic reactions were reported in Georgia, making this little (and little-known) insect a growing problem. "Asian needle ants" will reach their yearly peak numbers in July and August, but it will still be tough to spot them, even if you get stung by one. They are so small and blend in so well that stings often occur when someone — perhaps while gardening or moving wood – unknowingly disturbs them. "Imagine somebody inserting a needle directly into your flesh," said Benoit Guénard, a professor of ecology and entomology at the University of Hong Kong who studied the ants in North Carolina. "It's a very sharp, acute pain but it's quite local." Tracking them has long been a challenge, but researchers now say the spread of the Asian needle ant shouldn't be ignored. "They're pretty widespread on the East coast," said. Daniel Suiter, a professor of urban entomology at the University of Georgia. "If you live in an area which is dominated by hardwood trees, there's a good chance there are Asian needle ants underfoot." For some, the stings can be life-threatening. For others, it's an unusual pain that can come and go for hours. That's just one of the mysteries of Brachyponera chinensis — roughly translated as "short, wicked ant from China" - though they're actually native to China, Japan and the Koreas. The invasive insect was first discovered in the United states in 1932 in Decatur, Georgia, but was only recognized as a serious pest in the past two decades as it began to spread significantly throughout the southeast. Now it's found as far north as Connecticut and as far south as Florida, as well as in Wisconsin and Washington state, according to the site There are reports they have also appeared in Texas. These ants are carnivorous, seeking out prey such as flies, beetles, grasshoppers and their favorites: termites. Given their hunting habits, they don't lay down scent trails as some ants do, making it difficult to track them back to their colonies and eradicate. "Most ants are in-your-face invasive, they lay a pheromone trail to get to food. You can't miss an ant trail that's half an inch wide," said Suiter. "These remain hidden." The dark brown ants live in colonies in leaf litter, rotted logs, firewood and mulch. They often occur in residential settings, including parks, and urban areas, finding homes and under railroad ties, logs, bricks, and pavers. They can also nest in potted plants, under wood piles, and in lawns. "People are most often stung when they're working in their garden," said Theresa Dellinger, a diagnostician at the insect identification lab at Virginia Polytechnic Institute. "Nobody likes to be putting in their bedding plants and then suddenly have unexpected pain." The worker ants' bodies are about 0.2 inches long, small, dark and shiny but with lighter orange legs and antennae. "They have a long jaw and a big stinger on the business end," Dellinger said. Although they're relatively long and thin, the "needle" in their name actually comes from their Japanese name, Oo-hari-ari, which means "giant needle ant' and refers to size of their stinger, she said. It's very possible to learn to live with Asian needle ants, just as we've learned to live with bees, said Andrew Johnston, an insect diagnostician at Purdue University's Department of Entomology. "They're not aggressive, they don't swarm the way fire ants do," he said. "Wear gloves and pay attention to what you're grabbing." Because the ants like to live in moist areas and around wood, keeping loose logs and firewood up off the ground so they stay dry is one way to avoid infestations, said Suiter. And if you're sensitive to insect stings, suggests Dellinger, "carry an EpiPen." Guénard has been stung by many different ant and insect species but said Asian needle ants are the only ones he knows of where the pain is very acute at first, then disappears and then can come back over and over again. "The first, initial pain lasted a few seconds. Then about five minutes later, when the pain had eased, I felt 'ouch!' as if somebody had stung me again in the same place. The pain continues to reoccur in the same place, it disappears and then comes back," said Guénard. "For me, it goes on for about two hours," he said. "But I know in some people it lasts for as much as 24 to 48 hours." In a small number of cases it can also be deadly. The sting can cause allergic reactions and in 1% of victims, the venom can result in deadly anaphylactic shock. There's a lot researchers don't yet understand about why these invasive ants only began to significantly spread in the United States in the 1980s and 1990s. Native to China, Japan and Korea, the Asian needle ant was first identified in Georgia in 1932 but probably arrived here well before that. "It's very likely the ants were introduced in the early 20th century because by 1934 they were already found in three states, so clearly they hadn't just arrived," Guénard said. Because they live in dirt and mulch, Guénard speculates that they might have come into the United States in the root balls of trees being imported from Asia. What puzzles researchers is the timing of their spread. The ants remained relatively localized well into the 1970s, research shows. In 1962 a very thorough inventory of the ants of North Carolina was conducted by entomologist W. G. Carter. "He never found them," said Guénard. Then between 1991 and 2017, Asian needle ants spread across North Carolina and are now found across the state. "Something happened," Guénard said. "I could not tell you exactly what." The spread of this invasive species is causing ecological damage as they spread, research shows. Because they are predators, Asian needle ants hunt native insects that have evolved to have important roles in local ecosystems. For example, while no one wants termites in their home, in the forest they are critical part in the health of the woods. "They're very important because they help with the decomposition of dead wood and other organic matter," Guénard said. Research has also shown that local native ants are an important part of seed dispersal for some plant and tree species. If the Asian needle ants take over their territory, the seeds don't get spread. "The seeds just die rather than being dispersed," he said. As the climate warms and becomes wetter in some areas, the extent of where these ants can thrive is growing and they're expected to invade new regions. The amount of North America that could become suitable is expected to increase as much as 75% over the next 50 or so years, according to Guénard's previous research. Asian needle ants aren't as aggressive as fire ants and will mostly just run away when they encounter humans. However, they will defensively sting if they feel pressure, for example from someone reaching into a pile of wood, mulch or soil near their nest. The ants can pose a health risk because their venom can produce allergic reactions in some individuals. Virginia Tech encourages anyone who is allergic to bee stings to seek immediate medical attention if they begin to experience breathing problems or other allergic reactions after being stung by an Asian needle ant. A survey of people who live in an ant-habitat area of Korea found that 2.1% of those bitten experienced systemic allergic reactions, including 1.2% who went into anaphylaxis. The danger appeared to be highest in people who had experienced repeated stings over time. There is no national repository of Asian needle ant health problems, but when Guénard maintained a website about the insects while he was conducting research in North Carolina, he received reports of 21 cases of health problems, in Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Washington. D. C. Of those case, at least 12 individuals reported having severe allergic reactions including anaphylactic shock. The cases involved people moving logs, gardening and even while swimming, when young female ants flying to establish new colonies fell into swimming pools. The stinging events were especially frequent during the summer swarming period from April to September, with a peak in May to July. In Georgia, Suiter got three calls about cases of anaphylactic shock after Asian needle ant stings last year. "I fully expect that some people who end up in the emergency room were stung by them but didn't realize it," he said. There is concern that people who are hypersensitive to other stinging insects may be at an increased risk of anaphylaxis from Asian needle ants. Symptoms reported by the USDA can include: Skin reactions include hives, itching, and flushed or pale skin. Low blood pressure (hypotension). Constriction of the airway, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Swollen tongue or throat. Weak and rapid pulse. Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Dizziness or fainting. Psychological symptoms, such as a feeling of impending doom. Unlike stings from invasive fire ants, the sting of an Asian needle ant does not produce a blister. This particular variety of ant is more difficult to eradicate than other ant species because they don't lay pheromone trails that can be disrupted or easily used to get the ants to take poison back to their nests. Instead they use a process known as tandem carrying. "One worker ant will pick up another worker ant and drag it over to the food source to show it where it is," Dellinger said. That makes baiting them difficult, especially because their colonies – typically fairly small and flat – are hard to spot. "We suggest a protein-based bait for this species, and it can take some time for these ants to take the poison back to the colony," she said. So far there is no formalized management recommendation for the species. One study published found good luck with using bait that included extracts from termite skin. Dellinger said broad spraying isn't helpful and will actually harm other important garden species. "Try to treat the nest," she said. Management, rather than eradication, is the goal. That can include removing mulch in areas where the ants might pose a problem, elevating woodpiles so they're not damp underneath, carefully watching for colonies (which can take time) and only baiting areas where there are definitely ants. It's also not easy to identify the Asian needle ants as they look similar to other ant species. "There are a lot of ants out there," Dellinger said. "We get out the microscope." She recommended contacting the local agricultural extension if identification isn't certain. "It's a free service and they can help identify what's on your property." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Stinging and 'wicked' Asian needle ants spreading across the US
Newsweek
10 hours ago
- Newsweek
Can Tackling Addictions Reduce Medicaid Costs?
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Discussions around Medicaid costs have become more heated than ever in recent months as President Donald Trump's administration tries to push its budget bill through the legislative ranks. House Republicans have instructed the House Committee on Energy and Commerce to slash $880 billion in spending over the next decade, with Medicaid making up 93 percent of the committee's budget. As a result, the amount of money the federal Medicaid program needs to provide health care services for more than 70 million Americans has been under dispute, with some arguing there is significant waste and misuse of money in the system, while others have warned cuts would leave millions of vulnerable people without access to health care. While lawmakers continue debating the divisive legislation, experts have discussed with Newsweek whether there could be another way of reducing Medicaid costs—tackling substance use disorders. Medicaid enrollees with substance use disorders require significantly higher health costs than those without—around $1,200 per month on average compared to $550, according to KFF. Around 7.2 percent of Medicaid recipients age 12 to 64 have a diagnosed substance use disorder, and treatment is key to addressing overdoses, deaths and other health or social complications, KFF reported. So could tackling substance use disorders in turn reduce costs for the Medicaid program? Here's what experts told Newsweek. Photo-illustration by Newsweek/Getty/Canva Why Are Medicaid Costs Higher for Those With Substance Use Disorders? The reason Medicaid enrollees with substance use disorders have higher health costs is because they often also have additional health complications, Dr. Joshua Lynch, professor of emergency and addiction medicine at the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, New York, told Newsweek. This could be physical health conditions, such as hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes, or mental health disorders, "which can lead to more complex health care needs," he added. Those with substance use disorders also may "experience more fragmented care and more challenging access to high quality, lower cost care and preventative services," Lynch said. They may also struggle to work, or stay in work, and this may "contribute to increased reliance on higher-cost healthcare services," he added. Many Americans with substance use disorders also go undiagnosed, Brendan Saloner, professor of health policy and management at the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Maryland, told Newsweek. He added that those with substance addiction can have a lot of problems, such as the risk of overdose, or contracting blood-borne diseases like HIV or hepatitis C, as well as other issues, so "it's much better to get people into care proactively then to wait for their problems to become a crisis." The higher costs for those with substance use disorders, therefore, could "reflect the devastating physical consequences of substance use itself," Heidi Allen, professor of social work at the Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, told Newsweek, pointing to overdoses, increased vulnerability for chronic illness and exposure to infectious diseases. It's also not just about health complications, John Kelly, professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and director of the Recovery Research Institute at Massachusetts General Hospital, told Newsweek. "The nature of these disorders means also that, on average, in the Medicaid population, individuals suffering from substance use disorder tend to have more social instability in terms of secure housing, employment, and criminal justice complications. These all contribute to increased costs," he said. Could Tackling Substance Use Disorders Reduce Medicaid Costs? While tackling substance use disorders may not slash Medicaid costs in the short term, as it would require investment in prevention and treatment, it could have positive economic impacts in the long run. "Prioritizing substance use treatment for enrollees might not reduce Medicaid costs in the short term, since we would expect more Medicaid enrollees to engage with treatment, which itself costs money," Allen said. However, she added that "it could certainly improve the health of enrollees, which might result in Medicaid savings down the road." If patients also have access to high-quality treatment and are able to manage their condition, "they have a lower reliance on high-cost health care such as emergency visits and inpatient hospitalizations," Lynch said. He added that other comorbidities also become more manageable, while housing stability and employment turn more achievable. "All of these will lead to a decrease in overall Medicaid spending," he said. Kelly also said he thought that tackling substance use disorders could reduce costs for Medicaid, adding that "focus on earlier intervention, and better implementation of care coordination will result in reduced use of more expensive acute medical care services, as well as prevention of the contraction of more chronic disease such as alcohol-associated liver diseases, HIV and hepatitis infections." "I am very confident that it would help to prevent some long-term costs to the program and would have a huge impact on other non-health needs like employment and reduced incarceration," Saloner said. But he added that whether it fully pays for itself, or saves money, is a more difficult question to answer. "We have some older studies showing that substance use care can offset lots of costs to society, but purely from the perspective of the Medicaid budget it's hard to say. The quality of life gains make it very cost-effective, whether or not it's cost saving," he said. Carrie Fry, professor in the department of health policy at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Tennessee, told Newsweek: "Research shows that addressing substance use disorder with effective, evidence-based treatments reduces Medicaid costs." In order to cut Medicaid costs, Fry said, making it easier for people with substance use disorders "to start and remain on effective treatment" would be an important step in the process. "For opioid use disorder, this means expanding availability of medications for opioid use disorder including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone," she said. She added that only about half of Medicaid enrollees with an opioid use disorder receive evidence-based treatment in a given year. "So, treatment is an important first step to addressing the burden of substance use disorders in Medicaid and can reduce or prevent additional downstream costs," Fry said. She added that reducing the prevalence of substance use disorder via prevention will "require a more comprehensive approach to addressing broader social conditions that lead to increased risk of developing a substance use disorder."
