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The Samoan child dubbed Baby Miracle has been thrown a lifeline by surgeons in the United States who will operate on her severe deformities free of charge - as long as she is granted an entry visa.
New Zealand authorities blocked a visa application for little Miracletina Julia Nanai to come to Auckland for treatment in December.
But in an amazing show of international support, both Australian and US groups have since come to the 5-month-old's aid.
In the latest development, US group THORN Ministries plans to fly Baby Miracle to see a neurosurgery specialist and plastic surgeon at Miami Children's Hospital next week.
THORN founder Kristin Taylor said Baby Miracle's family was delighted.
"They are just elated that there is still hope," she said.
Ms Taylor spent a fortnight in Samoa finalising details but said the application for Baby Miracle's entry into the US still had to be approved and the family's departure could be delayed.
"Right now the baby and mum and dad are wonderful. They are just happy - I think they are willing to take help from wherever they can get it," she said. "We really hope the last door will open."
Fundraising was continuing for associated costs, including a predicted six-month stay in hospital, she said.
The youngster was born to Sefulu and Mikaele Nanai in Falelatai near Apia with extreme deformities. Her misshapen eyes were pushed to the side of her tiny face and her nose and mouth were malformed, preventing her from suckling.
Samoan doctors had decided she should be left to die quietly. But her family refused and secretly fed her. Supporters launched a campaign to raise money to get her to New Zealand for a full medical assessment.
Once blocked from entering New Zealand, South Pacific Islands Community Christian Church in Adelaide said it would bring the child to Australia. A church spokesman said yesterday it not pushing ahead with the plan because Baby Miracle was going to the US.
Ms Taylor said Baby Miracle was doing well - putting on weight and responding to Samoan drumming.
"She's calm and just chubby. She loves to go for rides in the car. The minute the car stops, she starts to squawk, once you start driving again she stops."
