Mom Says Her 8-Week-Old Daughter Turned Blue and ‘Coded in My Arms’ From Whooping Cough: ‘I Still Have Nightmares’ (Exclusive)

Mom Shares Heart-Wrenching Story of Infant Daughter’s Battle with Whooping Cough

Angela Falanga, a mother from Malverne, New York, recently spoke exclusively to PEOPLE about the harrowing experience she went through when her 8-week-old daughter, Natalie, battled whooping cough. Angela recounted the terrifying moment when her daughter “coded in my arms” and had to be rushed to the hospital. Despite being an X-ray technologist and up to date on her vaccines, Angela’s daughter still fell ill with the highly contagious disease, emphasizing the importance of vaccinating not just children but everyone around them.

The ordeal began innocently enough with what seemed like a normal cough for Natalie. However, as her condition worsened, Angela took her to the doctor, only to be reassured that it was just a cold. Two days later, Natalie’s cough intensified, and she began struggling to breathe. Angela vividly recalls the moment when her daughter turned blue right before her eyes, prompting a frantic rush to the hospital. Initially given a clean bill of health, Natalie’s condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to a terrifying series of events.

On October 20, 2024, Natalie was diagnosed with pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough. Within hours of the diagnosis, she experienced a life-threatening episode in Angela’s arms. The medical team at Cohen Children Medical Center had to intervene urgently, placing Natalie on a ventilator as her oxygen levels plummeted. Angela described the following days as the worst of her life, witnessing her daughter’s lung function drastically deteriorate and requiring intensive care to keep her alive.

As Natalie fought for her life in the hospital, Angela faced the grim reality that her daughter had a 50% chance of surviving the ordeal. The process was grueling, with Natalie spending 19 days in the hospital, ten of which were on a ventilator. Angela was devastated to see her once vibrant infant reduced to a state of dependency on sedatives, enduring withdrawal symptoms and excruciating pain. The experience left her traumatised and haunted by nightmares long after Natalie’s recovery.

Angela’s decision to share her story stems from a deep desire to raise awareness about the dangers of whooping cough and the importance of vaccination. Despite being diligent with her own vaccinations, she learned the hard way that infants like Natalie are particularly vulnerable to preventable diseases until they are old enough to receive the necessary shots. Reflecting on the ordeal, Angela urges other parents to prioritise their children’s health and avoid the anguish she endured by ensuring they are protected from potentially life-threatening illnesses.

In a poignant plea to parents everywhere, Angela emphasises the critical role vaccinations play in safeguarding vulnerable members of society. She acknowledges the understandable concerns some may have about vaccines but stresses that the benefits far outweigh the risks, especially when it comes to protecting young children. By sharing her family’s ordeal, Angela hopes to spare others from the anguish and heartache they experienced, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of immunisation in safeguarding public health.

The rising cases of whooping cough in the United States underscore the urgency of adhering to vaccination schedules and maintaining herd immunity. Angela’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of vaccine-preventable diseases and the profound impact they can have on families. As she continues to advocate for vaccination and public health awareness, Angela’s unwavering commitment to sharing her experience stands as a beacon of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.