this was one of the hardest sessions i have had to do but also one of the most rewarding. baby audrey has trisomy 18 and i have asked her mother, melissa to explain that to me and here is what she wrote.

Hey Michael!

Audrey has Trisomy 18, which is a rare genetic condition that affects 1 in 3,000 pregnancies and 1 in 5,000 births. . . meaning almost 1/2 of the pregnancies result in a miscarriage. Once the baby is born, there is a 50% chance they will not make it past a wk & a 90% chance they will return to God's kingdom b4 a yr.

Of course we were devasted w/ the news of her condition (it affects her internal organ development), but we just have 2 remind ourselves that she is here; she is happy, & she is deeply loved. She is the best thing that has happened to me& Bo, and we are enjoying every moment w/ her!! She has also touched/changed an amazing amt of people in the short time they have met her or heard her story. The Dr's are equally impressed w/ her strength which makes us SO proud!!!

I'm not sure if I shared her web-site. . . u can find the up-dates at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/audreyjohnston

Thanks 4 caring. It means the world to us that you are so willing & giving w/ your talents. Yr web-site is impressive!

Big hug, MJ

for those of you that dont know, i do sessions of terminally ill babies free of charge. please contact me if you or someone you know would like more info.

michael b