~MARCH is TRISOMY AWARENESS MONTH~

~The month of March is significant to me for a variety of reasons.

It is the month that my father and brother have their birthdays.

It is the month for Brain Injury Awareness,  Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness, National Nutrition Month, and Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

The most significant of all is that March 29th, 2007 was the day that my youngest son Bennett-Chadlen Roy was born at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Toronto, Canada, and spent his entire 8 day life at Sick Kids Hospital NICU.

Bennett-Chadlen was diagnosed with Trisomy 13 halfway through my pregnancy, in my fifth month.  I had no idea what it was, and what it meant for his life.  I just knew that it had to be something bad judging by the look of horror and  pain on my midwife's face as she tried to break it to me as gently as possible.

How do you tell someone that their unborn child is affected by a rare chromosomal abnormality which often results in death prenatally or shortly following birth?

March is TRISOMY AWARENESS MONTH.  It is the one month of the year when all families of children born affected with Trisomy can join forces and inform our family and friends what Trisomy is, and what it means to us.

What began is the worst possible nightmare that I could possibly imagine, has turned into an unbelievable journey of unconditional love, pure acceptance, grief, healing, and joy.  Why joy you might ask?

My son gave me the greatest gift imaginable.  He opened me up to the most intense feeling of love that I could never imagine without experiencing it firsthand.  There are no words for the wonder and depth of admiration that I felt for this tiny, unborn son of mine.  Every single moment of time, every tiny little heartbeat......was graciously celebrated within my womb.  I spent each day rubbing him through my belly, speaking his name as I described what I could see and what "we" were doing.  I spent countless hours rocking him in front of the fire at night, in a room lit only by the flames.  I celebrated every kick and prayed for many more.  I shed tears that I thought would never stop.

Through the gift of my blessed boy, I learned to live spontaneously and squeeze every amount of happiness out of each and every day that I can breath.  I welcome life, I rejoice in the ability to experience the rain, wind, snow, and sunshine.  I hug my boys as often as possible, and never allow a day to go by without them knowing how much they are cherished and loved.  The same goes for the special people and friends in my life.

Through the internet I was able to not only learn about the survivors and families affected by Trisomy 13, but I was also able to reach out and 'meet' others in similar situations and seek comfort and solace within their words of support which they so generously gave to me when I enquired or requested it.

As I near my sweet boy's 4th Heavenly Birthday I can't help but feel sentimental and think back to those final days 4 years ago as I was waiting for him to be born.

I can't explain it, but I can show you the beautiful photos which were provided to me courtesy of Heather Renee Morgan of Lifespark Photography.

Love, Peace, & Nimkee-Blessings to all my special Trisomy families today, and always xxoo

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

~Highlighting CDH ~ Denise's quilt

http://www.freewebs.com/angelryandesigns/cdhquilt.htm

~My friend Denise made this beautiful quilt in Honour & Memory of all of our dear CDH* babies who were born affected by this devastating birth defect. More information can be found at the links on the lower right of this page.

{*CONGENITAL DIAPHRAGMATIC HERNIA}

~Here is another graphic design made by Denise to help spread awareness for CDH.

~Sending lots of Love, Peace, & Nimkee blessings to all families who lives have been affected by Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.....xxoo

~THANKS DENISE! Remembering Angel Ryan & Angel Jesse always......(((HUGS)))

~KIERNAN'S KINDNESS

~This is a project which is part of a larger group of dedicated Mom's whose lives have been touched by their own NICU--"Neonatal Intensive Care Unit" experience.

Julie is a dear friend and is Kiernan's mother. Kiernan is a CDH (Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia) survivor, as well as a boy whose life is also affected by Klinefelter's Syndrome. Information about CDH and KLINEFELTER'S SYNDROME can be found in the links list to the right of the page.

Please take a glimpse into the heart of this amazing family and keep them in your thoughts and prayers. If you'd like more information about Kiernan's Kindness and Project Sweet Pea, I will be pleased to put you in touch with someone who may be near you so that you may donate some much needed and appreciated items to the NICU families.

Any help and prayers will be greatly appreciated!

Love, Peace, and Nimkee blessings to you all! xxoo

ps...the following is a link to Kiernan's Kindness on facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Kiernans-Kindness/289465826669?ref=ts

Here is a link to Project Sweet Pea on facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Project-Sweet-Pea/207741713641?ref=ts

Here is the link to Project Sweet Pea's website:

http://projectsweetpeas.com/

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Pray for Ava!

This post is dedicated in honour of a beautiful little girl named Ava. She is 2 years old, and is a CDH survivor.

5 weeks ago Ava became a very sick little girl. Luckily her very quick thinking and relentless mother wouldn't take NO for an answer....and insisted that x-rays be taken and a diagnosis made. Within hours Ava was airlifted to another hospital where she has remained to this day.

Click here for Ava's blog

On her page you will find loads of inspirational montages, informative links to CDH information.....and lots and lots of endless love!!!!

I love you Ava!