Faith

Woman Dies After Declining Cancer Treatments to Save the Life of Her Unborn Child

Chiara Corbella Dies After Declining Cancer Treatments in Pregnancy

Chiara Corbella (right) and her husband Enrico Corbella (left) (Image CreditL Meryem-ana.it)

It’s a story that showcases true self-sacrifice and an almost unimaginable, yet admirable, level of love and care for the unborn. Chiara Corbella died earlier this month after postponing her cancer treatments to save the life of her unborn baby.

The incredible, yet tragic story, was reported by Catholic News Agency (CNA) on Thursday. The outlet describes the alleged sacrifices that Corbella made for her child — sacrifices that inevitably led to her death:

At 28 years of age, Chiara was happily married to Enrico Petrillo. They had already suffered the loss of two children in recent years who died from birth defects. The couple became popular speakers at pro-life events, in which they shared their testimony about the few minutes they were able to spend with their children, David and Maria, before they died.

In 2010, Chiara became pregnant for the third time, and according to doctors the child was developing normally. However, Chiara was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and was advised to begin receiving treatment that would have posed a risk to her pregnancy.

Chiara decided to protect the baby – named Francisco –  and opted to forgo treatment until after his birth, which took place on May 30, 2011.

Chiara Corbella Dies After Declining Cancer Treatments in Pregnancy

Image Credit: Catholic News Agency

Corbella inevitably lost her battle with cancer on June 13, 2012. The road was a difficult one. Once her child was born, she lost sight in one eye and began to deteriorate. However, despite her challenges and the bold decision to protect her unborn child, she remained brave.

In a letter that was penned to Francisco one week before she died, she told the child (who is now about 13 months old) that she will be taking care of his brother and sister in heaven.

“I am going to heaven to take care of Maria and David, you stay here with Dad. I will pray for you,” she wrote.

According to CNA, Corbella’s funeral mass was used as an opportunity to discuss her brave sacrifice as well as the overarching example she serves for those who wish to protect life. Her husband, Enrico, said in an interview with Vatican Radio that he personally experienced “a story of love on the cross.”

Below, see a portion of the mass (in Italian):

Here are some highlights from Enrico’s words about his wife and their struggles:

“We grew more and more in love with each other and Jesus. We were never disappointed by this love, and for this reason, we never lost time, even though those around us said, ‘Wait, don’t be in a hurry to have another child.’” [...]

The truth is that this cross – if you embrace it with Christ – ceases to be as ugly as it looks. If you trust in him, you discover that this fire, this cross, does not burn, and that peace can be found in suffering and joy in death.

I spent a lot of time this year reflecting on this phrase from the Gospel that says the Lord gives a cross that is sweet and a burden that is light. When I would look at Chiara when she was about to die, I obviously became very upset. But I mustered the courage and a few hours before – it was about eight in the morning, Chiara died at noon – I asked her.

I said: ‘But Chiara, my love, is this cross really sweet, like the Lord says? She looked at me and she smiled, and in a soft voice she said, ‘Yes, Enrico, it is very sweet.’ In this sense, the entire family didn’t see Chiara die peacefully, but happily, which is totally different.”

When his son is old enough, Enrico will tell him about his mother’s sacrifice. Additionally, he pledges to teach him the importance of letting himself “be loved in order to love and die happy.” The story, which has a tragic ending, certainly serves as an example of prime human sacrifice, as Corbella was willing to give up her life for the sake of her unborn child.

The Blaze has covered other brave women who have made similar decisions. In December, we told you about 17-year-old Jenni Lake who passed away after declining treatment for brain tumors while carrying her child. And in October, we reported on Stacie Crimm, who died in a similar manner.

All are truly excellent examples of individuals willing to set themselves aside for the unborn lives growing inside of them.

(H/T: Catholic News Agency)

Comments (94)

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  • YallComeBack
    Posted on June 22, 2012 at 10:16am

    I knew a family in the Mobile, Ala area that this same exact thing happened to. The woman (early 20s) developed breast cancer while pregnant. She refuse chemotherapy and abortion. She died about 1 year after giving birth to a healthy baby girl.

    I attended the wedding of the husband 5 years later- to a wonderful woman who was madly in love with him and his daughter. Now the baby girl is about 15. I’m pretty sure (sarcasm intended) she’s glad Momma did not abort her.

    A powerful story of sacrifice. There will always be some people who do not understand what a life apart from narcissism is all about.

    Report Post »  
    • The Giver
      Posted on June 22, 2012 at 4:06pm

      Choosing Life ( not abortion) even when you’re healthy and think this will end your life AS YOU KNOW IT is also selfless. Having a child does end your life as you know it… It actually makes it better. You give love and realize how wonderful it is to give. In this case where her physical life actually ended… what can you say about such a woman? Her decision not only saved the life of her child but of many others that might have been aborted. Her light is now very strong. God bless this family.

      Report Post » The Giver  
    • vindocusa
      Posted on June 23, 2012 at 4:52pm

      “There will always be some people who do not understand what a life apart from narcissism is all about.”

      That is the most profound statement I have heard in a long time. Thank you

      Report Post » vindocusa  
    • markwaters
      Posted on June 23, 2012 at 8:28pm

      This is an amazing testimony of the words of the Rabbi: “greater love has no one than this, to give his life for the life of his friend and I call you my friends”.

      Report Post »  
    • snooop1e
      Posted on June 24, 2012 at 2:18pm

      I can’t help but wonder how many “Christians” in here are thinking that if she TRULY “trusted in Jesus finished work on the cross” she would have killed her baby and saved her own life? I can’t help but wonder how many “Christians” think that this woman was deceived and by sacrificing her life to save her child she was actually “doing the work of Satan” and “showing a lack of faith” and “denying Jesus’ finished work on the cross”. Some will even say that she actually angered God by laying down her life for her unborn child because Christ died so that we can hide behind His death. I can’t help but wonder why saying the “sinners prayer” results in a “get out of hell free” card whereas sacrificing your life for another is “works righteousness” that “shows a lack of faith” and “angers God”. Man has no greater love than to lay down his life for another. Say what you will about the Catholic church but this woman lived out her faith to the end, she was willing to die for love of another human being and that is what it means to die to self and become a NEW CREATION IN CHRIST JESUS. We can choose to hide behinds Jesus’ death on the cross or we can be crucified with Him and die to self and sacrifice ourselves for others. God Bless this woman and her child. Praise God Alleluia!!!

      Report Post » snooop1e  
  • Delores at CH WV
    Posted on June 22, 2012 at 10:09am

    Love for others always trumps Hate. I just hope her child will have the support of a new mom. This mom is with God.

    Report Post »  
  • I.Gaspar
    Posted on June 22, 2012 at 10:01am

    If this story doesn’t make you cry, you’re not human.

    Report Post »  
  • Vickie Dhaene
    Posted on June 22, 2012 at 9:46am

    This is the True message of Christ. When we are willing to sacrifice our lives for the Lord., We will experience His Love for eternity.

    Report Post »  
    • muddpuddle
      Posted on June 23, 2012 at 8:43am

      It is a great message of sacrifice, but it never mentions the healing power of God. If Gods will is for children to obey thier parents, they have to be there. If Gods will is for a young man to leave his parents and become joined to his wife, his parents have to be there in order to leave them. It was Gods will for that woman to raise her son, healthy. She did not have to pay a price that Jesus himself already paid.

      Report Post »  
    • snooop1e
      Posted on June 25, 2012 at 2:14pm

      @MUDDPUDDLE – Wow your post is really sad and lifeless. This is the fruit that Sola Fide has reaped for you, criticizing a dead mother for sacrificing her life to save her child. It’s very clear that your belief in Sola Fide leaves you with no other option but to criticize a dead mother for giving her life to save her child. I suppose you have no choice though because Sola Fide nullifies Gods Laws rendering all of our acts (whether good or bad) meaningless to God. Sola Fide says that once you utter the sinners prayer all of your evil acts are now hidden behind Jesus righteousness and doing good doesn’t please God it angers God because it shows a lack of true faith. Sola Fide teaches that you can declare to Almighty God that you have judged yourself to be “saved” and to have eternal life an no amount of evil you might commit can ever change that. You are conflicted because on the one hand this was obviously a selfless act of love but your belief in Sola Fide doesn’t allow for any works at all so you are necessarily forced to see her sacrifice as something bad. You are so invested in Sola Fide that you even go to the extreme of suggesting that her willingness to die for her child shows a lack of faith and dishonors Jesus “finished work on the cross” Ask yourself this question, if all who are “saved” avoid doing good works so as not to anger God what is the difference between the sheep and goats? So very sad.

      Report Post » snooop1e  
  • HowardSternIsABigot
    Posted on June 22, 2012 at 9:44am

    Not many of us consciously make these kinds of sacrifice. Referring to a long past thread on HEROES and what makes them,,,

    this is a real hero.

    Report Post »  
  • Stoic one
    Posted on June 22, 2012 at 9:41am

    This and the other two women’s stories are BEAUTIFUL.

    Report Post » Stoic one  
  • RightPolitically
    Posted on June 22, 2012 at 9:27am

    True love requires sacrifice. In saving the life of the unborn child by her sacrifice this woman showed great courage and selflessness, the EXACT OPPOSITE of that which is displayed by most “pro-choice” expectant mothers!

    Report Post » RightPolitically  
  • lala76
    Posted on June 22, 2012 at 9:21am

    The true example of God’s love in us. Thank you for sharing your story.

    Report Post »  
  • IOWAGIR
    Posted on June 22, 2012 at 9:21am

    Wow Blaze, thanks for making me cry at work. What an incredible story and amazing people. We need more stories like this. My mother died of cancer 2 months after I was born. She didn’t know she had cancer until after my birth. She only held me a few times before she was rushed to another hospital for surgery. They found out it had spread everywhere and it was too late. She never left the hospital. My father never left her side.

    Report Post »  
    • RightPolitically
      Posted on June 22, 2012 at 9:45am

      Now you’re making many more of us cry. Your mom loved you and your dad loved her!

      Report Post » RightPolitically  
  • gbfreak
    Posted on June 22, 2012 at 9:20am

    A beautiful story of a completely unselfish Mother!

    Report Post » gbfreak  
  • COLKURTZ
    Posted on June 22, 2012 at 9:13am

    And some people abort babies.

    Report Post »  
    • BeenSetFree
      Posted on June 22, 2012 at 3:40pm

      And for reasons like they don’t want to be fat during the summer and not be able to wear their bikini! Its that same type of narcissism that led to Satan to his act of treason/rebellion and subsequent defeat and ejection from Heaven. No wonder the Bible calls Satan the ruler of this world.

      Report Post »  
  • RedDirtTexas
    Posted on June 22, 2012 at 9:00am

    Not a tragic ending at all. It‘s a beautiful beginning for the child and the mom’s eternal life in Heaven.

    Report Post » RedDirtTexas  
  • cassandra
    Posted on June 22, 2012 at 8:51am

    This is a story that obama would never understand what was it he said ” if one of my daughters made a mistake he wouldn’t want her punished with a baby” PUNISHED !!!!!!!!!!!!!! he voted for late term abortion, would he do this to his OWN grandchild ??

    Report Post »  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on June 22, 2012 at 9:39am

      Yes

      Report Post » Stoic one  
    • HowardSternIsABigot
      Posted on June 22, 2012 at 9:45am

      amen

      Report Post »  
    • getalong
      Posted on June 22, 2012 at 11:15am

      Cassandra, Sadly, the answer to your question is YES. Progressive Marxists do NOT value the sanctity of life. That is why they are so determined to take God out of our country because where God is honored – life must too be honored. One of Obama’s first acts as president was to lift the ban on partial-birth abortions put in place by Bush. You have to ask yourself, what kind of person would choose this as one of his first official acts as president. Actions speak louder than words.

      Report Post »  
  • SquidVetOhio
    Posted on June 22, 2012 at 8:49am

    “I am going to heaven to take care of Maria and David, you stay here with Dad. I will pray for you,”

    Wow. Just wow. Would to God my faith be a strong as hers. I know she got to hear her Saviour say,
    “Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Come and enter the joy of the Lord.”

    Report Post » SquidVetOhio  
  • rambosharley
    Posted on June 22, 2012 at 8:43am

    That is the ultimate sacrifice for a child! God bless her and her family.

    Report Post »  
  • drkmagneto
    Posted on June 22, 2012 at 8:42am

    That is so awe inspring!! The love for an unborn child no knows no bounds. Truly such a sacrifice reminds of this. G-d bless her and her family. G-d bless Francisco who will no doubt be told of the sacrifice and love of the mother he’ll never meet. ((tears)) I will pray for them as well!

    Report Post »  
  • sooner12
    Posted on June 22, 2012 at 8:38am

    What a beautiful story about a beautiful family. She’s now resting in peace with God and her babies in heaven. May she be an inspiration to all women carrying babies.

    Report Post »  
    • johnjamison
      Posted on June 22, 2012 at 8:48am

      Someone should start a charity to help the father,or maybe furnish francisco with a education after high school.

      Report Post »  
  • sawbuck
    Posted on June 22, 2012 at 8:35am

    This woman has shown the essence of unselfishness..

    God Bless you and your family.. Chiara Corbella

    Report Post » sawbuck  
  • lukerw
    Posted on June 22, 2012 at 8:34am

    Does the Egg… that Detects Imperfection, and Splits, to produce Identical Twins… Think & Love?

    Report Post » lukerw  
    • NHwinter
      Posted on June 22, 2012 at 9:02am

      God knew you before you were formed in the womb. He held you in the palm of His hand.

      Report Post » NHwinter  
  • nflanagan1
    Posted on June 22, 2012 at 8:33am

    What an incredible woman. I would say that this story should be told to the “Pro-Choice” crowd, but they are so dead inside, they would see it as a negative that she declined treatment.

    God bless her, and I know that this little boy will grow up to know how amazing his mother was!!

    Report Post »  
    • GWillie
      Posted on June 22, 2012 at 8:48am

      I forget where I saw it bet there was indeed a similar story and the pro-abortion comments did call the mothers sacrifice selfish. They said it was cruel of her to knowingly bring a child into the world she would not be here to raise. For the left the ONLY choice is abortion.

      Report Post » GWillie  
  • momrules
    Posted on June 22, 2012 at 8:31am

    This woman’s courage, love for her child and faith in Jesus Christ is inspiring. She was and is a blessing as is her wonderful husband.

    Their son will grow up knowing that he was loved from conception, loved so much that his Mother valued his life more than her own.

    I agree with TROLLTRAINER……….I needed a story like this today. A story that reminds us all of the wonderful, blessed people that still exist.

    Report Post »  
    • justangry
      Posted on June 22, 2012 at 11:16am

      Momrules, You know I assumed this love and heroism was normal. When I was in 3rd grade, a Japanese family came to my town with the Honda plant. I became close friends with their son, Yuichi. By the end of the school year they moved back to Japan because his mother did the same exact thing, refusing cancer treatment for his unborn brother. It had a tremendous impact on my views. So stay happy because this courage doesn’t just exist in this piece. It’s everywhere!! We just often don’t see it. Have a good day!

      Report Post » justangry  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on June 22, 2012 at 8:25am

    So one life had come to end on earth;
    So that a new one begins.
    Hope.
    Faith.
    Love.
    Demonstrated in a mothers choice;
    For the one she waited on for so long.

    Rest in Peace with the Lord our sister of the faith.
    For your deed is recorded in eternity among the angels of Heaven;
    And in the knowledge of God and Lord Jesus,
    Until all are one with them again in the day to come.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • biohazard23
    Posted on June 22, 2012 at 8:22am

    God bless her and her family.

    Report Post » biohazard23  
  • HKS
    Posted on June 22, 2012 at 8:17am

    She reminds us all of what it’s really all about.

    Report Post » HKS  
  • trolltrainer
    Posted on June 22, 2012 at 8:12am

    What a strong, courageous sister! I needed this story today. She is with God now.

    Report Post »  
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