which affects one in every 6,000 people.

At birth she was unable to take in food. Eventually she was able to, but it would go halfway down before becoming lodged in her oesophagus. She also had a twisted spine.

Gina. of St. George's parish, was rushed to Toronto's Sick Kids Hospital for the first of many operations.

Although it was a demanding time for her family, Gina's aunt, Hattieann Gilbert, explained the interventions saved her life.

A telethon was held, which raised $20,000 for Gina's medical expenses.

Mrs. Gilbert added that at one point the family was wondering "whether we would keep her''.

They wondered "if she would turn out OK''.

Twenty years later Gina is doing fine.

She recently graduated from Atlantic Union College in South Lancaster Massachusetts, obtaining an Associate of Science Degree in the area of nursing on May 23.

Mrs. Gilbert said: "She is looking to go further.

"God saved her because he needs her,'' she added. "She has done wonders.'' Now married to Reginald Colas, Gina resides in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, with her husband and plans to work at a rest home in the area.

The marriage took place on the same day that she graduated, creating a double celebration for the family.

Gina's mother, Whilhelmina Simons, told The Royal Gazette : "I'm glad to see that she has the opportunity to serve, returning her thanks to the community.'' She added that the ordeals of Gina's earlier life only brought her closer to God and gave her parents the opportunity to raise their daughter in the right manner.

Gina is thankful for many things.

"I wanted to be a doctor or a nurse,'' she joked. "Being a doctor takes too long.'' The concept of helping others is what she finds rewarding.

Gina says that she plans on continuing with her education, although she is not quite sure when that will be. She is setting her goal on a Bachelor's Degree in nursing.

Gina said her parents deserve much of the credit.

"Through bad times and problems we always managed to work things out,'' she said. "It has made me aware of goals and I am determined to reach them.

"I would like to thank the community for its help, but especially my husband Reggie Colas for his love and support and I also want to say thanks to God,'' Gina added.

Her parents said the family also owes the community a debt of gratitude.

"We want to thank the community because sometimes you don't think that there is help out there, but there is,'' Mrs. Simons said. "It was the community which made it possible... It helps to know that people care.'' The big day: Gina and Reginald Colas took a trip down the aisle just hours after her graduation. (Below) Ms Simons stands in the college's cafeteria waiting for her big day to arrive.