September 29, 2008 – October 21, 2008
2 Pounds 9 Ounces
15 Inches Long
On April 24, 2008 we were elated when we found out we were expecting our first child due December 22, 2008. Things were going well until our 20 week sonogram at which time they noticed that my cervix was funneling. I was put on strict bed rest at home.
The next weeks we faced day-by-day just hoping for one more week to pass. Nine weeks later on a Friday my water broke. After rushing home from work my husband picked me up and we headed straight to St. Joseph’s Hospital. Immediately I was given the first round of corticosteroid shot and was lucky enough to receive the second shot 24 hours later to help develop our son’s lungs.
On Monday, September 29, 2008 at 9:08p.m. our son was delivered via emergency c-section. He was perfect. All 10 fingers and toes, lots of dark hair and such a perfect smile. He was everything we had prayed and hoped for our son.
On Brayden’s 18th day of life I found blood in his stole when changing his diaper. After showing the NICU nurse they ordered a set of chest xrays. The results showed that Brayden had an infection and inflammation that causes destruction of the bowel. This disease is none as Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) and affects only 1 in every 2,000 – 4,000 births.
The next three days were a blur during which time Brayden was emergency evacuated to John Hopkins Hospital where we had planned for him to undergo surgery to prevent the intestine from perforation. Taking a turn for the worst, Brayden was not strong enough for surgery. His body was so weak and his chest so extended.
As we sat by his bedside discussing what his quality of life would be if he were to recover from this disease and ultimately trying to make the hardest decision of our life to remove our son from life support. He used all his might to open his little eyes one last time, squeezed his father’s finger and joined the other Angel Babies in heaven.
We felt the most painful emotions anyone can experience but at the same time had a sigh of relief that Brayden made his own choose to meet God. Now 2 ½ years later we are ready to explore options on how we can grow our family and provide Brayden with a brother or sister.
Brayden will always hold a special place in our hearts and will be a big brother to a little sister or brother one day.
Brayden Hurley Hatchett
hkane@marchofdimes.com
1 comment:
My hurt goes out to you and your family I could not possibly imaine losing a child.
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