East Rockaway mom wins Mother of the Year award

On Mother’s Day, St. Raymond of Penyafort Parish honored one of their own, Elizabeth Tortorella, with a very special “Mother of the Year” award for her faith and courage in defying her doctor’s advice to terminate her pregnancy because of a life threatening illness.

“It was a surprise,” said Tortorella, referring to the award. “[St. Raymond’s Parish] realized I had pain and they mentioned I was the mom who went against the doctors.”

Tortorella, an East Rockaway mother of three, gave birth to Finn Shannon on January 19 after she was diagnosed with an arteriovenous fistula in her brain during her first trimester. A fistula is an abnormal connection between an artery and a vein, which if left untreated could cause a stroke. “It’s a rare disorder — the brain surgeon had only seen the disorder three times,” Tortorella said.

In facing difficult odds, Tortorella’s doctors advised her to end her pregnancy because surgery was necessary for her survival. Yet, she chose to postpone her surgery and kept her baby despite severe health problems associated with her disorder.

“The game plan was to continue with the pregnancy and hope the symptoms stayed still,” Tortorella said.

Her husband, Glenn,, said that is was a rough journey that was very scary. He believes his wife was very brave in the face of danger — danger which included severe headaches and dangerous swelling and pressure build-up in her eyes. Tortorella’s battle became a high risk one, because her neurologist had concerns that her eye would pop and the baby would be at risk.

In spite of all this, Tortorella had a healthy baby boy by Cesarean section at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset. Six days after the delivery, Tortorella had a seven-hour surgery to repair the damage done by her fistula. She will have to have another surgery soon.

Tortorella recognizes St. Raymond’s Parish and the community for what she describes as tremendous support. “Word got through and people started prayer groups,” she said. “People brought meals to us.”

Specifically, she is touched and moved by the community. “Someone came up and said I was their hero,” Tortorella said.

According to her husband, Glenn, his wife is his hero. “I am very proud of the decision my wife made,” he said. “She is an inspiration for all moms ... her bravery and faith in God is an inspiration to all.”