The first time Liz saw this baby, she asked the nurse, “Who’s this beautiful angel?” “Her name is Gisele,” replied the nurse.

Liz soon learned Gisele (8-months-old) had been in this hospital for five-months, and in all that time, no-one had visited her.

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Born prematurely in July 2016, to a mother using heroin, cocaine and methadone, Gisele weighed less than 2-pounds.

The state of Massachusetts had taken custody of Gisele, who needed extensive care, including a feeding tube to help keep her alive.

Meanwhile, Liz who is now 45, was unmarried and had no children.

She had always hoped to become a mother and wanted in vitro fertilization, but her health insurer wouldn’t pay for it, and she couldn’t afford it.

Her sister recommended adoption or foster care, but Liz wouldn’t consider it. That is until she saw Gisele, a fragile baby who captured her heart.

“Since the moment I met her, there was something behind her striking blue eyes capturing my attention,” Liz told The Washington Post. “I felt that I needed to love this child and keep her safe.”

Photo: washingtonpost.com

After a court ruled Gisele’s birth parents unfit to care for her, their parental rights were terminated.

Then last October 18th in a court room packed with family, friends and co-workers, a judge signed the adoption papers and Liz became Gisele’s mother.

Gisele still needs a feeding tube but developmentally, she has made huge strides.

“Her new favorite song is ‘You Are My Sunshine,’ “ Liz told The Post. “And every time she sings it, I think to myself, ‘You have no idea.’ “

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In the next KazanToday: How a popular restaurant feeds the poor and the homeless yet is still profitable.