A kindhearted male nurse has adopted a deformed tot with a brain disorder – who was battling for his life and abandoned by his parents – after vowing to take the baby home “if he opens his eyes”.
Male nurse Matias Devincenzi first met baby Santino in March 2017 when he was working at the Eva Peron Hospital in San Miguel de Tucuman in the north-western Argentine province of Tucuman.
The poor tot, born with malformed feet and hands and a neurological disorder, came into the world on 20th February and was abandoned by his family.
Matias explained: “In mid-March, he caught an infection and was taken to the intensive care unit.
“I was not there at the time because I had taken a few days off work.
When Matias returned to the hospital, he went to see the baby in intensive care and told him: “I promise, if you open your eyes I will take you home with me.”
Matias continued: “He opened his eyes and I immediately felt a strong connection.
“I instantly felt like his father and I started the adoption process there and then.”
“We were separated for two months until I was finally given legal custody on 6th November (2017).”
It was the same day as his birthday and Matias believes it was the best “gift” ever.
He said: “I adopted Santi when I was 29. I was single and I never thought about being a father before.
“Nowadays, Santi is doing exceptionally well. When he came home he was seven months old, but his development had been delayed and he was more like a five-month-old.
Matias added: “He had a kidney removed and corrective surgery on his hands and feet in November last year.”
“He is like a normal boy now. On 20th February we celebrated his second birthday. He laughs, plays, shares stories with his grandparents and everyone who helps to take care of him.”
“I want to make people aware that there are a lot of abandoned kids out there, and there is nothing better than giving and receiving a son’s love.”
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Story By: Ana Lacasa, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News
