It has been nearly eight weeks since Susan Torres (pictured at right with her oldest son) was rushed to the hospital after she suffered a stroke caused by melanoma cancer. For eight weeks, despite her brain damage, she has been closely monitored and kept alive for the sake of her unborn baby. And after eight weeks, baby Torres is alive and kicking — quite literally.

According to Mercy Schlapp, a friend of the Torres family, Jason Torres felt his child kick for the first time on June 20.

But the battle for the child’s life is far from over. Twenty-five weeks gestation is the earliest that a baby can survive an early delivery, and this is Susan’s 21st week of pregnancy. The family hopes to wait until 30 weeks before delivering. Right now, the cancer has spread to Susan’s lymph nodes, but the baby is in no immediate danger, said Schlapp.

The Torres family is doing "well — given the circumstances" said Fathers Denis Donahue and Jerry Wooton.

"They’re doing amazingly well, and it’s all due to their Catholic faith," said Father Donahue, pastor of St. Rita Parish in Alexandria. "That’s what’s holding them together."

According to Father Donahue, the challenge is to keep her alive one day at a time. Father Wooton, parochial vicar of St. Leo the Great Parish in Fairfax, said Susan had several fevers lately. The doctors have been able to reduce the fever, and the little one is still doing well.

While the Arlington Catholic HERALD was the first to report this story (ACH 5/26/05), many other news organizations have picked it up including USA Today, The Washington Post, The Washington Times, ABC News, CBS News, WJLA and CNN. Thanks to the extended coverage, the family has been flooded with support.

Father Wooton received a call from someone in England who was interested in the fight for Susan’s baby. According to Father Donahue, another person sent Susan and the baby a first class relic of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta.

"There has been an overwhelming response," said Schlapp. "It’s really such a blessing for the family, especially when this is such a difficult time."

Many people have been calling St. Rita Church, where Susan and her husband, Jason, are members, to find out what they can do to help. Father Donahue directs them to the fund established to help with medical expenses not covered by insurance. The bill is expected to be between $300,000 and $400,000, although this may rise depending on how long Susan is kept alive.

They also are asking for prayers, Father Donahue said.

"We’ve been taking care of them spiritually, as a parish family should," he said.

The fund was set up by the Knights of Columbus from St. Leo Parish, of which Jason is a member. On June 10, the fund was placed online and people are now able to make donations through PayPal. The Web site has had more than 25,000 hits.

Before it was placed online, the fund had collected $50,000. Since it was put online, they have received another $30,000, and they are expecting an equal amount from the mail.

"They have to empty the P.O. Box a couple of times a day now," said Father Wooton. This gives him encouragement.

"Keep them in your prayers," he said. "That’s the most important thing right now. We’ve got at least three weeks to go and hopefully five or six weeks." Even if they make it to the delivery date, the baby will still need to be hospitalized after birth.

The Web site lists updates on Susan’s condition and has links to family photos. There is a sign-up for an e-mail list as well. According to the Web site, the family does not want Susan’s condition to be used as a political issue. They ask only for prayers and financial support.

Friends and family of Susan Torres will join area Knights of Columbus volunteers in holding a bake sale to help defray medical costs. The event will be held July 17 at St. Philip Church in Falls Church following the 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Masses. The church is located at 7500 St. Philip’s Ct., Falls Church. 

Those wishing to help with the bake sale at St. Philip’s or host a fundraiser at a different location are asked to contact Yvette Purtill at ypurtill@hotmail.com or 703/641-8948.  For more information go to www.susantorresfund.org or e-mail stfund@susantorresfund.org.