Purpose for carrying to term

[Richard Ressman]

I was called to a local children's hospice to take photos of a 5 year old boy terminally ill with a brain stem glioma. His mother is 5 1/2 months pregnant with an anencephalic baby; her purpose in carrying the baby to 38 weeks is so she can donate the baby's organs. Her husband is full-time military. The mother has requested that I be available to take NILMDTS photos when she delivers.

[JenniferBrown]

Oh Dr Ressman, that is such a sad story. Poor family. One son who is terminally ill and another who won't survive birth (or much past it). I'm so sad for them. This will be a very rough year for them.
I'm glad you'll be there to capture images for them, though. Their little boy is cute.

[Vicki]

Whoa . . .
That was a lot to absorb from one paragraph . . .

The light on this boy's face is lovely, peaceful, almost like a hand on his forehead . . .

[Christine Barrack]

He is beautiful. My heart goes out to them. Thank you for being there for them and providing them with such a gift.

[linda]

Oh my heart is just broken....broken....no words

[Claire Guthrie]

oh wow....how tragic.

[Stacy Holley]

I just have no words. How can you survive? I don't know that I could. Prayers for her and her family. The photo is just beautiful.

[Jennifer Ayers]

How sad...This family will be in my prayers! Not sure if I could handle being this Mom, but they said God doesn't give us more then we can handle and it will make her a stronger person. You will be such an important part in their lives, giving them such a wonderful gift. He is beautiful....

[Austin's Momma]

Wow...I just can't stop shaking my head right now. I just can't imagine how the family must feel. It's great that you will be there to give them such a special gift...and the picture of the boy is so touching. I hope the mother will find some comfort in knowing that her little miracle baby will save the lives of many others.

[Jessi Hill]

I don't know what I woudl do if put into that type of a situation. I didn't have an opportunity to even think of donating my son's organs because of his genetic condition, but I would like to think that some good came out of having him- I believe he taught the Dr. and nurses an immense amount in his short life. I guess this is an admirable thing for mom to do when she knows there is nothing else she can do to save her baby, why not try to help another family save theirs. I am amazed in the strength some people have.

Beautiful little boy too, so sad!

[Miranda]

That is so sad but his mom is a strong woman to do what she did. I wanted to donate Rhians but she had been gone too long. Truly moving...

[Madge]

That is a beautiful thing to do. What a blessing she gave to many families.