A “miracle baby” is recovering at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester after she spent three days outside in a garbage bag.
Neighbors Kayla and Karen Seals, Noril Washington and Rahine Bowman found the 8-month-old girl alive when they heard a suspicious noise near their Elmira home Tuesday afternoon.
The neighbors took the child, called 911, and began to administer aid until emergency personnel arrived on scene.
Since then, they are being hailed heroes and received an outpouring of community support.
Horseheads resident Carol Houssock is one of many showing gratitude. When Houssock saw Kayla’s eyeglasses were broken on television, she made an appointment and took Kayla out to get new glasses Thursday afternoon.
“The story was so touching and to see this woman with broken glasses, I thought that’s the least I could do,” said Houssock. “Look what she’s done, this isn’t about me, it’s about this community we live in and I just hope more people help her and her sister and that baby.”
The hero neighbors have been getting more offers and gifts from strangers after they heard the news. Offers from Rochester and news media outlets from all over the country congratulating them and wanting to share their story.
“Me and my sisters and my family, we’re struggling right now, I have bills to pay and it’s hard for me to pay it right now, my rent is in trouble but I’m not asking for that help but I appreciate you guys and I accept it you guys,” said Seals.
Two metal angel statues stand at the spot where the baby was found.
According to Elmira Police, had they not found the baby on time, she would only have 20 to 30 minutes left to live.
A spokesperson from Strong Memorial Hospital tells 18 News the baby is in intensive care under guarded condition.
Her life was saved and ultimately lead to the arrest of the infant’s mother, 17-year-old Harriette Hoyt of Sayre, Pennsylvania, who is accused of leaving her baby in a plastic bag.
Hoyt is charged with attempted second degree murder and is being held on $250,000 cash bail, or $500,000 bond. Hoyt is scheduled to be in Elmira City Court on Friday, August 11 at 1:00 p.m.
In the meantime, the Seals sisters, Washington and Bowman are collecting diapers, clothes and food for the baby. To contribute, visit Washington’s Facebook page here.
