U.S. Embassy Approves Visa For “Baby Miracle”
Feb 05, 2008

The United States Embassy in Apia today approved visas for Miracletina Juliemaryame Mikaele Nanai, (widely known as “Baby Miracle”) and her parents Mikaele Nanai and Sefulu Sulu Nanai.  

The visas will allow them to travel to Miami Children’s Hospital, one of the most well-known pediatric institutions in the United States, to seek treatment. Estimates suggest that the family may spend three to six months in the United States.

“The Embassy is pleased that our requirements were met and that these visas could be accorded. We wish Miracletina and her family all the very best,” said U.S. Charge d’Affairés George Colvin.

The proposal that “Baby Miracle” should seek treatment in the United States first came to the Embassy’s attention about ten days ago. During that time, the Embassy has been working very closely with Miracletina’s principal sponsor, Hans Joachim Keil, who is a Member of the Parliament of the Independent State of Samoa.

“We had to ensure it was possible to meet U.S. legal requirements that sufficient funds were available for Miracletina’s treatment,” explained Mr. Colvin.

In verifying this point, the Embassy took note not only of Mr. Keil’s very strong commitment to this case, but also of the generous offer of Kristin Taylor of T.H.O.R.N. (Thankfully Helping Others in Real Need) Ministries to provide for the family’s room and board during their stay.

Additionally two eminent specialists at the hospital — John Ragheb, M.D., Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery; and S. Anthony Wolfe, M.D., Chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery — will provide their services free of charge.

“The Embassy was also aware of the substantial funds raised for ‘Baby Miracle’ by contributors in Samoa and New Zealand. Once all of this information was reviewed —  both in Apia and in Washington — it became clear that sufficient funds are available to support Miracletina’s anticipated care and consequently we granted the family visas,” added Mr. Colvin.