“As Long as He Was Alive, I Would Be Too”: Dayana Survived 36 Hours Under the Rubble With Her Baby
Posted on07/03/26 at 06:16
- Dayana Patiño survived alongside her 18-day-old newborn.
- Lost everything in seconds.
- Now asking for help to rebuild her life.
The story of Dayana Patiño and her son, Juan David, has become one of the few stories of hope to emerge from the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24.
Just 18 days old, Juan David remained trapped with his mother beneath the rubble of the apartment building where they lived in Playa Grande, La Guaira state, for more than 36 hours before both were rescued alive.
Images of the rescue operation spread around the world, turning the newborn into a symbol of hope amid a tragedy that, according to official figures, claimed more than 1,700 lives and left thousands of people missing.
Days after the rescue, Dayana recounted to the BBC how she managed to survive the endless hours trapped alongside her son.
Baby Gave Dayana Patiño the Strength to Stay Alive Beneath the Rubble
The young mother explained that Juan David was the reason she fought to remain conscious while waiting to be found by rescue crews.
«From time to time, I touched his nose to make sure he was still breathing. As long as he was alive, I would be too.»
According to her interview with the BBC, her son became the motivation that kept her awake and alert despite the pain, darkness, and uncertainty.
Dayana recalled that the earthquake struck while she was washing dishes in the family’s eighth-floor apartment at Residencias Vistamar.
Her first instinct was to run and protect Juan David because she believed it was «just a small tremor.»
Within seconds, however, the building began to collapse.
«I felt like I was flying. Then I felt myself sinking into water and dirt, and then I fell into the space where I became trapped. I don’t know how I never let go of my baby while I was flying; I was crushed against the furniture.»
For more than 30 hours, she held her newborn tightly while praying that they would both survive.
Search efforts continue in different parts of the country, although hopes of finding additional survivors have diminished as time passes.
After Surviving the Disaster, Dayana Patiño Seeks Help to Rebuild
While continuing her recovery alongside her son at Clínica El Ávila, Dayana launched a GoFundMe campaign in hopes of starting over after losing everything.
In the campaign, she explains that the building where they lived completely collapsed during the June 24 earthquakes.
«Every minute felt like an eternity. I held my baby with all my strength while praying without ceasing, asking God to protect his life and give us another chance.»
She also remembered that family members, friends, neighbors, rescue workers, and hundreds of others never stopped searching for them or believing they would be found alive.
«By the grace of God, a miracle happened.»
«Against all odds, my baby and I were rescued alive.»
Both mother and child remain hospitalized as they recover from the injuries they suffered in the collapse.
Dayana says she endured significant physical trauma and continues to live with constant pain, requiring ongoing medical care.
GoFundMe Campaign Aims to Give Juan David a Fresh Start
Dayana says she lost absolutely everything within seconds.
Her home was destroyed.
All of her belongings were buried beneath the rubble.
The family’s dog, Kira, whom she describes as «a beloved member of our family,» also died in the disaster.
The fundraiser seeks financial assistance to cover hospitalization costs, medications, medical treatment, temporary housing, food, essential supplies for Juan David, and basic living expenses while they rebuild their lives.
«Asking for help is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.»
«But today I do it not only for myself, but for my son. Every donation, no matter the amount, brings us one step closer to recovery and gives us hope for a new beginning.»
Dayana also asked those who are unable to contribute financially to share her story and keep them in their prayers.
«Thank you for believing in miracles.»
Through the campaign, this Venezuela earthquake survivor hopes to raise the resources needed to recover physically and provide Juan David with a new beginning after they both survived one of the country’s deadliest natural disasters.
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Source: BBC News / GoFundMe