New Jersey Girl Battles Seizures; Parents Hope Dog Can Help

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Natalia Vinci's parents have tried almost everything to help their daughter overcome the brain injury that dominates her life. But it turns out that one of the most useful medical aids at her disposal may also be one of the simplest: a dog.

Natalia, who is from Newark and now lives in Nutley, currently attends the Spectrum 360 special needs school in Verona. Her mother, Amanda Roman, recently shared the story of her daughter’s struggle with the epilepsy and developmental delays that resulted from hypoxia during birth.

“For the past four years, [Natalia’s] father and I have been trying to find a solution to help stop the seizures," Amanda said. "After many different neurologists and all types of specialists, Natalia still suffers every single day."

Amanda said that Natalia is taking several types of medication, including some very expensive prescriptions that her insurance doesn't cover.

"Natalia very often has seizures in her sleep," Amanda said. "For the past four years, we have always had to sleep with her… that way when she has a seizure it can wake us up.”

“Natalia’s mother isn't able to work a full job due to having to be at her side around the clock,” said her father Nick Vinci, a Newark fireman. “I’m lucky that I'm a firefighter and can work two, 24-hour days so I can be around the rest of the week. But I can't do a second job.”

And that’s where the community can help, he said.

The family has set up a GoFundMe page for donations to help them cover her medical expenses, which can be seen online here.

Natalia’s uncle Jon Bruno is also hosting a tailgating event for her on Oct. 29 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford (see details about the fundraiser here).

However, in addition to medical needs, Natalia’s parents are trying to raise money to purchase a service dog that can alert them when their daughter is about to have a seizure.

“I think will be great for her,” Nick Vinci said. “But they are about $20,000 to $25,000, and contrary to everyone's beliefs, firefighters don't make as much as everyone thinks they do.”

A FUTURE FULL OF HOPE

Natalia’s parents said that their daughter has a hope-filled future ahead, despite the many challenges.

“Natalia has had so many seizures that she currently has many developmental delays and still does not speak at the age of four,” Amanda stated. “Her frustration levels are always so high and intense because she strives for more than what she can do.”

Nick pointed out that his daughter is a “beautiful and happy four-year-old girl” with a bright future.

“Her smile has the ability to bring a sense of joy to even the most trying of situations,” he said. “Thanks to the love, support and expertise of her parents and family, doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers, therapists, aides and friends, Natalia continues to show bravery and toughness in the face of any adversity that comes her way.”

Watch an adorable video of a hospitalized Natalia getting a ray of sunshine and a vital dose of happiness below. Want to help out or make a donation? Click here.

Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Photos: Nick Vinci, used with permission