Within 24 hours, the Torres family celebrated the birth and baptism of Susan Anne Catherine Torres and mourned the passing of the child’s mother, Susan Michelle Rollin Torres.

"This is obviously a bittersweet time for our family," said Justin Torres, Susan’s brother-in-law and family spokesman. "We are overjoyed at the birth of Baby Susan and deeply grieved at the loss of her mother."

Susan Anne Catherine was born at 8:18 a.m. on Aug. 2. Her mother had lost consciousness on May 7 due to melanoma cancer that caused brain damage. After 12 weeks of constant monitoring, the baby was born weighing 1 pound 13 ounces and measuring 13 and a half inches.

Jason Torres, the baby’s father, quit his job so he could remain with Susan until the end. He will continue to keep watch at the hospital as his new-born matures through this vulnerable stage in development.

The baby, named for her mother and great-grandmother, Catherine Anne Lelacheur, is currently under care and observation at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington.

"Like so many, I have prayed for the well-being of the baby, for Susan and for the Torres family," said Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde. "We rejoice at news of the birth of Susan Anne Catherine Torres. I am deeply moved by the extraordinary witness to the sacredness of life from its very beginning which the Torres family has given to our society. We now mourn the loss of Susan, and bring her and her entire family before the Lord in prayer."

As the cancer spread rapidly through Susan’s body, the team of consulting physicians "determined that the risk of continuing her pregnancy had become greater than the risk of delivering the baby at the gestational age of 27 weeks," said Dr. Archie McPherson, vice president and chief medical officer at the hospital. The goal had been to deliver the baby after 24 weeks but preferably not until 32 weeks.

So far, it appears as though the placenta was not affected by the melanoma, said Dr. Rodney McLaren, medical director for maternal fetal medicine. They will continue to run tests on the placenta to be sure there is no microscopic infection.

According to Dr. Donna Tilden-Archer, medical director of neonatology, the moment the baby was born she was vigorous and in good condition, even though she is no bigger than a size 12 shoe.

"We are ecstatic that she is here, and she seems to be healthy," she said.

At this stage of development, the baby’s respiratory system is the most vulnerable, and Baby Torres is breathing on her own with supplemental oxygen. Cardiologists have also examined the child and have found her heart to be stable, Dr. Tilden-Archer said.

The baby will remain in NICU for at least three months until the original due date, Oct. 31. Doctors agree that there is a strong chance that the baby will survive even though there are still challenges ahead, Dr. Tilden-Archer added.

But as the baby took over the struggle for her own life, it was time to let the mother go. The day after the birth, Susan’s life support machines were disconnected.

"After a brief goodbye with her husband, parents and other family members, and after receiving the last sacraments of the Catholic Church, Susan Michelle Rollin Torres passed away," said Justin.

When Susan was admitted to the hospital in early May, the melanoma cancer had aggressively spread through much of her body, said Dr. Christopher McManus, Susan’s attending physician. While the cancer begins in the skin, it grew and affected her liver, adrenal glands and finally her brain.

Given the advanced stage of the cancer when she first came into Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Susan did surprisingly well, he said. Many people in intensive care develop complications, and Susan had very few.

"To go this long is a miracle," Dr. McManus said.

"Her passing is a testament to the truth that human life is a gift from God and that children are always to be fought for, even if life requires — as it did of Susan — the last full measure of devotion," Justin said at a press conference held Aug. 3 at the hospital.

Dr. McManus remarked that even though he never knew Susan before her hospitalization, he could tell she was a remarkable woman.

"Take solace in the fact that she gave her life for her baby," he said. "Thank God for giving us this new life."

After Susan died, the family gathered to pray together. During the Hail, Holy Queen, the family knew they were now "‘mourning and weeping in this valley of tears,’" Justin said. "This is today for us."

As the baby grows up, the family will tell her of how many people fought to bring her into the world and of her mother’s strength.

"Her mother was one of the toughest human beings I ever met," said Justin. "(Baby Torres) is here today because Susan Torres was such a determined human being."

So far, the baby’s brother, Peter, does not know many details of what has happened. The 2-year-old had not yet been told of his mother’s death, although he senses that something is wrong. According to Justin, he has been kept busy playing with his cousins and staying with his grandparents. The family has mentioned to him only the possibility of bringing home a baby sister.

While the Torres and Rollin families have always been close-knit, this ordeal has brought them closer. It was good to have so many people around for support, Justin said. All the decisions on Susan’s care were made by Jason, but he often listened to advice from his family.

"I couldn’t imagine going through something like this without prayer," said Justin, adding that the family received much support from the parish priests from St. Rita Church in Alexandria and the Catholic community.

So far, the Susan M. Torres Fund has raised $450,000, but Justin is unsure how that compares to the actual bills that will need to be paid in the end.

"It was a real joy to open that mailbox every day," he said. People sent Mass cards, baby blankets and many letters. They would read the letters to Susan as she lay in the ICU. More important than the money and gifts, however, Justin thanked the thousands of people who sent prayers.

"This family has literally been lifted up in prayer, and I can never express adequately our gratitude for the prayers and support we have received from people all over the globe," he said.

To donate, send checks to Susan M. Torres Fund, P.O. Box 34105, Washington, D.C., 20043-0105. For more information go to www.susantorresfund.org or e-mail stfund@susantorresfund.org.