In Loving Memory of This Treasured
Trisomy 13 Child

William “Cole” Stafford

April 4, 2009, 1:10am - April 4, 2009 1:40am

  Goldsboro, North Carolina (NC) - Full Trisomy 13  
 

Cole was diagnosed with trisomy 13 at 18 weeks gestation through ultrasound and later through the results of an amniocentesis.

My husband and I were terrified by what the doctors were telling us “multiple abnormalities,” “not compatible with life.” I left the doctor afraid that I might go into labor at any minute and wondering how I would be able to face each day not knowing if my baby was going to live.

When I got home that day, I franticly searched the internet for more information about trisomy 13. That is when I found this website. It was so comforting to read the stories of other families who had been told these same things and to see all the children who were living with trisomy 13.

As the weeks passed on we continued with our daily lives and decided that we would enjoy this pregnancy and not put ourselves through further testing and ultrasounds, we were told there was nothing the doctors could do for Cole his condition was too severe. So we prayed and trusted that God had a perfect plan for our little boy.

On April 3rd at 9 p.m. my water broke and we rushed to the hospital to meet our baby boy. Only 4 hours later, April 4th at 1:10 a.m., we were holding him and loving him. We were joined by our daughter, Ansley-2 years-old, and Cole’s grandparents, aunts and uncles.

We were all so excited to finally see him but our hearts were heavy because his time with us was so short. When I miss him and wish he were still here I just picture him running and playing in heaven.

Trampas and Carla Stafford, carlawstafford@yahoo.com
Sister: Ansley Stafford

 

Submitted 5-27-09