After giving birth via C-section in 2014, Ruby Graupera-Cassimiro fell unconscious from a rare amniotic fluid embolism. The embolism – when amniotic fluid leaks into the bloodstream, leading to blood clots and cardiac arrest – is not completely understood by doctors and is usually fatal.
Doctors attempted to revive Graupera-Cassimiro for three hours. After 45 minutes without a pulse, her family was called into the operating room to say their goodbyes, but just before doctors planned to declare her dead, her heart started beating again.
"She spontaneously resuscitated," Boca Raton Regional Hospital spokesman Thomas Chakurda said. "We had brought the family in. We had announced to them that we had done all we could."
Doctors are calling Graupera-Cassimiro's survival a "miracle." Even more amazing, she has not suffered any neurological damage and is on her way to a full recovery.
All I know is that I'm grateful to be here," Graupera-Cassimiro said. "I don't know why I was given this opportunity, but I'm very grateful for it."


