San Diego Family Perseveres After Tragedy

Trisha and Gustavo Bernal have embraced life-changing challenges with faith and resilience.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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In 2020, the Bernal family experienced a tragedy when their 3-year-old son Malachi drowned and suffered severe brain damage. Rather than give up, Trisha and Gustavo Bernal dedicated themselves to caring for Malachi, learning new skills, and even adopting another special needs child, Penelope. Despite the immense challenges, the family has grown stronger and found joy in their new normal.

Why it matters

The Bernal family's story highlights the power of resilience, faith, and unconditional love in the face of life-changing adversity. Their journey inspires others facing similar hardships and demonstrates how a family can be strengthened through adversity.

The details

After Malachi's accident, the Bernals were faced with three options: pull the plug, institutionalize him, or take him home. They chose to care for Malachi themselves, even as he required around-the-clock care, a liquid diet through a feeding tube, and help with basic functions. Over time, the family educated themselves, found alternative treatments, and celebrated Malachi's progress, including becoming seizure-free and able to smile and laugh. In addition, the Bernals adopted another special needs child, Penelope, several years later, further expanding their family.

  • On July 3, 2020, 3-year-old Malachi Bernal drowned and suffered severe brain damage.
  • More than five years later, the Bernal family continues to care for Malachi and celebrate his progress.

The players

Trisha Bernal

Malachi's mother, who has become knowledgeable about her son's condition and dedicated to his care.

Gustavo Bernal

Malachi's father, who has supported the family through this journey and adopted another special needs child, Penelope.

Malachi Bernal

The Bernal's 3-year-old son who suffered severe brain damage after drowning in 2020.

Penelope

The special needs child the Bernals adopted several years after Malachi's accident.

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What they’re saying

“They said we had three options: pull the plug, institutionalize him or take him home. We took him home. We knew we'd have to take care of him the rest of his life.”

— Trisha Bernal (San Diego Union-Tribune)

“Brain damage and all. He was still my Malachi.”

— Gustavo Bernal (San Diego Union-Tribune)

“I can't believe how far we've come. Seizure-free, controlled smiles, laughs regularly and minimal sleep meds.”

— Trisha Bernal (San Diego Union-Tribune)

What’s next

The Bernal family continues to advocate for Malachi's progress and care for both him and their adopted daughter Penelope, finding joy in their new normal.

The takeaway

The Bernal family's story demonstrates the power of resilience, faith, and unconditional love in the face of unimaginable challenges. Their journey inspires others to embrace life's difficulties with courage and find strength in family.