Baby James Hayes Doss Memorial
Donation protected
On April 30, 2014, Eric Doss and Megan Mcardle gave life to a beautiful baby boy, James Hayes Doss. Baby Hayes was born with Trisomy 18, an often fatal chromosomal abnormalty, and lived to be a beautiful 32 days old. This fund is setup in an effort to spread the story of Baby Hayes and aid in awareness of this disorder. We hope the money collected will help the parents of Baby Hayes with any medical expenses incured. 100% of the proceeds will be given to the family.
If you have a moment, please take the time to read this touching story provided by Megan Mcardle, the mother of Baby Hayes.
"In August of 2013, we learned that we would be expecting another child, a sibling for our 3-year-old son Avett. In December, we found out that the child we were expecting would be another boy. We saved the news until Christmas and told everyone through a series of photographs. Family and friends were just as excited as we were for the additional, seemingly perfect, baby to the family.
Only there was something not quite right. During the first scan the doctor was concerned that the baby was measuring small, so she scheduled another ultrasound. We had two additonal ultrasounds before we were sent to UAB for a closer look at the baby's heart.
On February 20, 2014 our world changed. We sat in the ultrasound room as two doctors and a nurse took countless pictures and mumbled medical jargon that we did not understand. Once they were finished with the consultation amongst themselves they told us of their suspicions. The words still echo, 'We believe your baby has a genetic condition called Trisomy 18. This genetic condition is incompatible with life.'
Our hearts broke right then. Our plans for a larger family were crushed. No parent should have to be told their child's life would end.
Over the next few weeks and countless doctor appointments, we had to start making real decisions. Each Doctor's appointment would be the same. We were told there was little to no hope that our baby would make it to full term and the chances of stillbirth were huge. We were told to prepare for the worst because nothing would be able to save him. Instead of buying baby things, we started planning 'arrangements.' We expected the worst, but hoped in our hearts that we would get to meet our son.
For the delivery, we wanted whatever time we had with him to be spent solely with us. The doctors were told that we didn't want any of his time to be taken from us. The decision for comfort care was made instead of rushing him to the NICU.
At 5:27 a.m. on April 30,2014 our hopes came true. Our son was born with a cry and weighed a whopping 3 lbs 12 oz. He was so tiny, yet so strong. We were told hours after he was born that he would only live until that night or the next afternoon. We were devastated and decided to share him with our family and friends. Over the next couple of days, our son gained strength and began to show us his will to live. After 5 days at the hospital, we were able to take him home.
At home, he was shown the sunlight, the wind, and the sounds of the world around. He was held almost every waking minute and even through the night. He was kissed a billion times and snuggled by the ones who loved him the most. His big brother even terrorized him, and sometimes loved on him. Our little family was complete. We had our boys. Each day that he was here a new visitor would come see the little miracle. He was embraced through social media by the people that couldn't come see him and strangers that followed his journey. We all learned to appreciate each day with him. Each day that he would be a week older would be celebrated with a party.
There was more love and support around his little life then ever imaginable. He was a true fighter, always giving us 'just one more day.' Hayes lived an incredible 32 days. Days that many will never forget. To be his parents is an honor. He looked like heaven, but fought like hell. We are so thankful for everything that he has given us, including the support from family, friends, the community, and strangers alike. Sometimes the smallest lives make the biggest impacts."
If you have a moment, please take the time to read this touching story provided by Megan Mcardle, the mother of Baby Hayes.
"In August of 2013, we learned that we would be expecting another child, a sibling for our 3-year-old son Avett. In December, we found out that the child we were expecting would be another boy. We saved the news until Christmas and told everyone through a series of photographs. Family and friends were just as excited as we were for the additional, seemingly perfect, baby to the family.
Only there was something not quite right. During the first scan the doctor was concerned that the baby was measuring small, so she scheduled another ultrasound. We had two additonal ultrasounds before we were sent to UAB for a closer look at the baby's heart.
On February 20, 2014 our world changed. We sat in the ultrasound room as two doctors and a nurse took countless pictures and mumbled medical jargon that we did not understand. Once they were finished with the consultation amongst themselves they told us of their suspicions. The words still echo, 'We believe your baby has a genetic condition called Trisomy 18. This genetic condition is incompatible with life.'
Our hearts broke right then. Our plans for a larger family were crushed. No parent should have to be told their child's life would end.
Over the next few weeks and countless doctor appointments, we had to start making real decisions. Each Doctor's appointment would be the same. We were told there was little to no hope that our baby would make it to full term and the chances of stillbirth were huge. We were told to prepare for the worst because nothing would be able to save him. Instead of buying baby things, we started planning 'arrangements.' We expected the worst, but hoped in our hearts that we would get to meet our son.
For the delivery, we wanted whatever time we had with him to be spent solely with us. The doctors were told that we didn't want any of his time to be taken from us. The decision for comfort care was made instead of rushing him to the NICU.
At 5:27 a.m. on April 30,2014 our hopes came true. Our son was born with a cry and weighed a whopping 3 lbs 12 oz. He was so tiny, yet so strong. We were told hours after he was born that he would only live until that night or the next afternoon. We were devastated and decided to share him with our family and friends. Over the next couple of days, our son gained strength and began to show us his will to live. After 5 days at the hospital, we were able to take him home.
At home, he was shown the sunlight, the wind, and the sounds of the world around. He was held almost every waking minute and even through the night. He was kissed a billion times and snuggled by the ones who loved him the most. His big brother even terrorized him, and sometimes loved on him. Our little family was complete. We had our boys. Each day that he was here a new visitor would come see the little miracle. He was embraced through social media by the people that couldn't come see him and strangers that followed his journey. We all learned to appreciate each day with him. Each day that he would be a week older would be celebrated with a party.
There was more love and support around his little life then ever imaginable. He was a true fighter, always giving us 'just one more day.' Hayes lived an incredible 32 days. Days that many will never forget. To be his parents is an honor. He looked like heaven, but fought like hell. We are so thankful for everything that he has given us, including the support from family, friends, the community, and strangers alike. Sometimes the smallest lives make the biggest impacts."
Organizer
Iron City
Organizer
Birmingham, AL
