Born with severe health challenges, Maria Whitas shares a glimpse into her incredible story of defying the odds and overcoming all that life threw her way.
Maria Whitas was born with a tumor on the left side of her body, which eventually spread to her lungs, causing her difficulties to breathe. The hospital said there was nothing that could be done, but doctors were later found and agreed to attempt surgery to remove the tumor. Surgery was successful and the tumor was removed, however it took three quarters of her lung and a few ribs along with it. Because of this complication, Whitas additionally developed scoliosis around the age of 8.
Whitas was born in West Virginia, but due to the cold weather and her low lung capabilities, doctors urged her to relocate to prevent further breathing complications. In 2008, Whitas moved to Florida, where she married, had her own nail salon, and began building a successful life despite her hardships. However, she later developed viral pneumonia and was hospitalized. Doctors told her husband she would not survive, but she again defied expectations and recovered. She was then put on oxygen to live, staying on it for the next 16 and a half years.
In May of 2023, Whitas developed another round of viral pneumonia and was placed in the hospital, staying there for three months. During her stay, she was put on a feeding tube and got tracheotomy surgery. She was sent home and told she could no longer eat, walk or cook. A hospital bed was placed in her living room, her physical and occupational therapists and doctors would routinely come to her home. By the help of PT, she started to walk, move, and not solely depend on her husbands assistance; “Those little accomplishments [helped] me feel good about myself.”
Maria is a proud Italian woman and one of her many interests is cooking. When doctors first told her she would no longer be able to cook, she was determined to recover and go back to doing what she loved; making meals for her and her loved ones; “I wasn’t having that, you can’t tell me I can’t cook.” She is unable to use a regular stove top, as it would emit the heat through her breathing tube straight to her lungs. She now uses an induction stove top, cooking with special ingredients suited for her dietary needs.
Near the start of 2024, Whitas was told by doctors she no longer needed to be on oxygen. Now solely relying on a portable ventilator, she now has more freedom and ease to enjoy everyday outings like to the grocery or the craft store. Maria has maintained a positive approach to life and finds joy in her creative hobbies. Some examples include sewing, crocheting, crafting, as well as bird-watching. She mainly enjoys spending time crocheting while watching tv, often making little critters like owls, her personal favorite and can be found as decor all around her home.
Maria Whitas’ life stands as a true testimony of strength, resilience and accomplishment, despite the countless times doctors told her she would not make it. Now approaching her 70th birthday in December, she currently resides in her Wesley Chapel home with her husband and their two chihuahuas. She remains an inspiration to friends and family and even the strangers she meets in passing.