TTTS Survivor

Yes, she is. She fought hard to be here, and she deserves every moment of joy this life can bring her.

My girls, Kathryn and Charis were born on December 10, 2011. One day after my 35th birthday. Two days later, Kathryn, who had severe hydrops and congenital heart disease caused by the TTTS, passed away in my arms. You can read Kathryn’s story here.

So today I celebrate my TTTS Survivor, Charis. The odds were not in her favor. Not at all. In fact, at one point, it was suggested I terminate her to save Kathryn. We chose not to. And by the grace of God, she hung on.

December is a challenging time of year for so many of us who are grieving lost ones. If you didn’t know, I edited and published a book with stories of over 30 grieving parents, entitled Sunshine After the Storm: A Survival Guide for the Grieving Mother.

Four of the contributors are TTTS mothers. In honor of my daughters, especially of the one who cannot be here with me today to celebrate her second birthday, I am giving away two print copies of the book. Please enter if you or someone you know might benefit from the hope, love, and encouragement of other parents who have traveled this road.

For those of you with a TTTS Survivor or two, let us never remember the babies who didn’t make it… and continue to fight for advancements and maybe even a cure!