We come as humble, hurt, and completely devastated parents.  We have been diligently working behind the scenes to have a family.  Some of you may know of our struggle, but for the most part we have been very private about it.  We are not used to asking for help as we usually are on the other hand, offering help, and supporting others. 

During five years of our infertility journey,  we endured a dozen artificial inseminations (IUI’s), seeing acupuncturists weekly, diet,  exercise, & lifestyle changes including going dairy & gluten free, caffeine free, alcohol free, and an IVF attempt.  All the treatments were self pay, none covered by Tricare, our military insurance nor by my individual insurance.  We saw 3 fertility specialists to no avail. We were giving up on our dream to become parents as they could not tell us the reason “Why” we were not pregnant. After taking a year off “trying to conceive”,  researching and regrouping while “relaxing”, “letting it happen naturally”, timing intercourse w/ ovulation, we saw our dream getting further and further away from becoming a reality.  But we visualized what our lives would be like and proceeded to decorate their room. 

After so much time & money, we decided to look abroad into IVF as it can cost 50% less.  In our 4th year, we found a doctor who was willing to look at my immune system as it was attacking previous pregnancies causing miscarriages.  Our 2nd IVF in Sept 2015 attempt was a bust.  We waited 4 months later, started all the medications and injections again, traveled back to the Caribbean to have another IVF.  Two weeks later confirmed a positive pregnancy.  At the US scan, the doctor confirmed we were having twins!  We were so elated!  I’ve always wanted twins as I once was a twin and my father-in-law is a twin. 
At the 10 week scan all was still going fine and measuring well.  I went for my 12 week scan, I was informed that Baby B stopped developing.  My heart sank.  We were so crushed.  But we knew we must continue to be strong for Baby A as we were still blessed to be parents.   Our 16 wk scan was quite routine w/ chromosome testing as well.  Between 16 & 18 weeks, our life turned completely upside down.  We were referred to an Perinatologist (MFM) who deals w/ abnormalities & high risk pregnancies.  The specialist advised us the baby was missing his cerebellum (a very important part of the brain), head was borderline small, club foot, and said there could be neurological issues.  He said there is a good chance the baby will not make it to birth.  We were in complete shock!  

We did an amniocentesis to determine if there were chromosomal issues.  At this time I also took the Zika virus screen.  We waited a week for the results to come back which showed positive for Zika antibodies. We were told the CDC would have to do a confirmatory test. Meanwhile, I requested a second opinion to have our baby scanned again and to confirm his diagnosis.  We saw a top specialist at VCU who said 1/2 of the brain tissue was missing, and confirmed the cerebellum was absent.  A third opinion from an MFM specialist confirmed our worst nightmare.  Our baby has microcephaly.  
Desperate to understand and get more answers, we requested an MRI to make sure as we worked so hard to get this far.  Unfortunately, the MRI showed more findings than the ultrasound. After the MRI, the neurologist explained 3/4 brain was missing, our son would not be able to breathe, move, walk, talk, or do much on his own.  Most likely he will be on a respirator & need 24 hour care.  We are completely devastated.  He is served a death sentence before he takes his first breath.  No one wants to see their child die before them, let alone bury them. This baby is very much loved and wanted.  Zika is real and not a hoax.  We only want to have a family.  We know all the money in the world can't replace our sons. Where do we go from here?   Help us to pick up the pieces and possibly build again.

Can you please help us?  
1.  Please share this post to get the word out as I would not want anyone to be in this nightmare.
2.  Any monetary donation would help us in uncovered expenses & unforeseen medical costs.
3.  Help us to get to the bottom of what has caused Zika as its been linked to Monsanto and genetically engineered mosquitos as well as a larvicide.
4.  If you have any information that can be helpful, or in media or investigation, please direct us to the right place.
5.  Most of all, please keep us and our baby in your prayers.  
 We sincerely appreciate you reading our story and helping us in this ill-fated journey.

Sincerely,
Paula & Jason