Cora's Gift

Cora Rose Karimkuttyil was born still on May 15, 2016.  She lived a healthy 38.5 weeks with no issue or cause for concern for her or the pregnancy. On May 12 at our regular check-up, we were told there was no heart beat.  We were in complete shock and disbelief, and could not comprehend how this happened so late in the game.  I was induced two days later where she arrived in one push, proving just how perfect she was. The cause of her death was an Umbilical Cord Accident (UCA). The cord had wrapped around her ankles six times and cut off her oxygen. This type of wrap is so rare, that our OB had never seen anything like it in over 25 years of practice. 
There are no words that can fully express the range of emotions we have felt since May 12. Our hearts are broken, we are forever changed, and our beautiful daughter was unfairly taken before she even had a chance to live her life . The initial days, weeks and months are so traumatizing and isolating for parents, especially when majority of healthy babies are born so routinely. Stillbirth is just not talked about even though it is 10X more common than SIDS.  

In honor or our perfect  daughter, we would like to make a contribution to the Star Legacy Foundation. A foundation that builds awareness around stillbirth. With the funds raised, we will donate items to be included in memory boxes for newly bereaved families.  The pain of leaving the hospital without the baby you have not only loved for the time they were carried, but for your whole life, is the cruelest type of pain anyone can experience. The pictures and items we added to Cora's memory box are so treasured, and help us stay connected to her physically. We want all families to have the same opportunity and to encourage them to TALK about their child and to keep their memory alive.

Thank you for considering making a donation. Stillbirth still happens. 26,000 babies in the US are stillborn each year, and we will make it our mission to remind others that they still matter and that they are just as loved as babies that were fortunate to live.

~Nina and Abilash Karimkuttyil

Cora Baby - We'll love you forever, We'll like you for always, As long as we're living our  baby you'll be <3