WELLS, Maine — Jessica Hannan-Vitale had just returned from work one day in May to Ne'r Beach Motel in Wells, where she was living with her five children and boyfriend, when she found her youngest child cold and unresponsive.
"I knew right then that I need to call an ambulance," Hannan-Vitale told NEWS CENTER Maine.
Authorities arrived and rushed 3-month-old Brielle to the hospital. While fighting for her life, doctors determined the girl was suffering from shaken baby syndrome.
"I literally couldn't kiss her face if I wanted to," Hannan-Vitale said. "She was all wired up. I couldn't even touch her so I would just hold her hand."
She said Brielle now has cerebral palsy and can't move the left side of her body efficiently.
Brielle's father, Matthew Fowler, is accused of causing the baby's injuries and has been charged with aggravated assault, domestic violence assault on a child less than 6 years old, and endangering the welfare of a child, according to Maine State Police. Fowler remains at the York County Jail on $50,000 cash bail.
Hannah-Vitale is now in New Hampshire with her kids living at a shelter, trying to figure out what she'll do next. She's started a GoFundMe page to raise money for Brielle's medical needs.
"I'm so proud of her," she said about her daughter. "She's a little fighter."
The traumatic experience has inspired Hannah-Vitale to speak out and raise awareness about domestic violence.
"I'm going to advocate like crazy on this," she added. "I'm going to go up every avenue. [Matthew] messed with the wrong mom and daughter."
Click here to visit the GoFundMe page raising money for Brielle.