Our first child, Elijah, is an amazingly fun and energetic 2 ½-year-old. He is a true blessing from God.
Around Eli's first birthday we found out we were pregnant with our second child. Our first pregnancy was so "normal" that we were pretty naïve to the possibility that anything could go wrong. However, a routine ultrasound showed that our little girl--Olivia Faith--had several markers for chromosomal issues. After extensive follow-up testing and weeks of uncertainty, Olivia was officially diagnosed with Trisomy 18.
We were told that most babies with Trisomy 18 do not survive because of all of the physical issues that come with it. Hearing these words about our baby--our precious little miracle of a baby--was the hardest thing to endure.
The next five months were the longest, most stressful time of our lives. We held our breath every day, just hoping to hear her heartbeat or feel her kick. Then at the final doctor's visit before her due date, an ultrasound could not find a heartbeat. Olivia Faith was born still the next day on April 3, 2015.
While at UAMS, our nurse and incredible staff gave us several bereavement options, one of which was information about Mamie's Poppy Plates. I stressed over the design for Olivia's plate, wanting it to be perfect. Once we decided on a simple pink border, our nurse said she would handle everything from there.
We were initially hesitant about participating in the 2015 Race to Remember because it was so soon after Olivia's birth, but then we received our plate. It is such an amazing keepsake!
I had not prepared myself for how special the plate would be. The comfort I get in feeling Olivia's little hands and feet slightly raised on the plate is hard to communicate. It is like a little piece of her, and a constant reminder of the little miracle that God let me carry for nine months.
After receiving the plate, we knew we wanted to get involved with Mamie's. We wanted to help raise money so that other families could feel the same comfort we felt from receiving the plate.
We set up Team Olivia Faith and started fundraising. Donations began pouring in from our incredibly supportive family and friends. Thanks to their help, Team Olivia Faith won the fundraising contest with over $4,000, which was enough to sponsor Mamie's Poppy Plates at UAMS for a full year! What a celebration of Olivia Faith! Because of our family and friends' generosity, all families experiencing a similar heartbreak at UAMS receive a precious keepsake to remember their little angel. In addition, the final mile of the race path was named after Olivia, so every few yards there were signs with Olivia's name on it. It was such a unique way to celebrate our little girl!
The 2015 Race to Remember was an amazing event for the whole family. Prior to the race there was a balloon release celebrating all of the angel babies who touched so many lives. The thousands of people in attendance created a comforting place because everyone there felt the grief of losing a child, and it gave people an opportunity to talk about and celebrate those children publicly.
Mamie's Race to Remember has helped bring together families who are searching for comfort and support. They have created this annual event that not only brings awareness to infant loss, but also provides a day to celebrate babies gone too soon, but never forgotten.
This year we hope to raise over $5,000 to sponsor UAMS (and possibly other hospitals) for another 12 months while raising awareness about Mamie's Poppy Plates.
When we started this journey over a year ago, I never imagined that we would be strong enough to endure it. But with God's constant presence in our lives, our unbelievably supportive families and friends that help us adapt to our new "normal," we are surviving and I have made some great new friendships along the way.
Being the parents of an angel baby is a role that no one ever expects to have, but organizations like Mamie's Poppy Plates are incredible sources of comfort during an unimaginably difficult time.
------------v------------
Sally Beebe is a mother telling her story of loss, healing and giving back. The 2016 race will be held May 7 in Little Rock. More information about Mamie's is available at mamiespoppyplates.com.
Editorial on 04/30/2016