In 2008, a baby girl by the name of Vitória Marchioli was born in a Brazilian hospital and was quickly diagnosed with a dangerous condition—Treacher Collins syndrome. The infant’s face was so severely malformed that doctors told her parents she wouldn’t live more than a day; it was time they start planning her funeral.

Since then, 9 years have passed and Vitória is still very much alive, something that has stunned doctors all over the world.

This girl is tough! She has survived a staggering 8 operations over the past 6 years to help build her face, traveling all the way to Galveston, Texas to receive treatment.

Although we’ve covered the journeys of other Treacher Collins patients in the past, we have yet to see one with such a severe case. It’s what makes the little girl’s story so powerful, but also so troublesome.

In an interview with the Daily Mail, Vitória’s dad, Ronaldo, gives some insight on his daughter’s precarious condition. “She does not have any life expectancy,” he explains. “We don’t know how long she will survive. We didn’t expect her to make it until her ninth birthday but are so grateful she has.”

What an incredible journey this little girl has had! To learn even more about Vitória’s life, be sure to watch the video below.

If Vitória’s story has touched you and you’d like to help, check out her GoFundMe page here. The Marchioli’s are using all of the donations that they receive to help fund her mounting medical costs.

We’d love to hear your thoughts about this girl’s journey. Do you know someone who has been affected by Treacher Collins syndrome? If so, what has their life been like? Do you have any incredible stories of survival that you would like to share?