Dear friends, family, and kind-hearted strangers,

We are reaching out on behalf of our dear friend Melanie and her husband, who are walking through one of the hardest seasons a family can face. Melanie is pregnant with their fifth child—a precious baby boy named Matthias, due this July. His name means “gift of God,” and that’s exactly what he is.

During her pregnancy, Melanie received the heartbreaking diagnosis that baby Matthias has Trisomy 18, also known as Edwards Syndrome. This rare genetic condition causes severe developmental and organ complications. In Matthias’ case, his heart, liver, and several other organs are not functioning properly, and doctors have told them that his time on earth will likely be very short—maybe only a few hours or a day.

When he is born, Matthias will be lovingly cared for with palliative care at CHOP. There won’t be any life-saving measures taken—just warmth, comfort, and love surrounding him every moment he’s with his family.

Melanie and her family—including big siblings Hannah, CJ, Josiah, and Jeremiah—are preparing to meet their sweet boy, not knowing how long they’ll get to hold him. They want to celebrate every second of his life and honor him with the same care and dignity they would any of their children.

One of Melanie’s wishes is to have a birth photographer present to capture the sacred moments they’ll have as a family. As you can imagine, the costs associated with this journey are significant—from photography, to burial and funeral expenses, to the emotional and practical toll this takes on a family already holding so much.

We are hoping to lift a small piece of that burden from their shoulders. Any amount you can give will go toward:

• Hiring a professional photographer to document Matthias’ birth

• Funeral and burial expenses

• Meals, support, and care during this painful time

Most importantly, your support shows this family they’re not alone—that Matthias’ life, however brief, is deeply seen, cherished, and honored.

Melanie and her family are holding onto their faith in Jesus through this storm. They believe that God is near to the brokenhearted, and that Matthias’ life, though short, has eternal purpose.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” – Jeremiah 1:5

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭139‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭

We believe God doesn’t make mistakes. Matthias is fearfully and wonderfully made, and his life—no matter how short—is a holy, precious gift. Please pray for strength, peace, and comfort for Melanie and her family in the days ahead. And if you feel led to give, know that you are a part of helping them say hello and goodbye to their son with grace, beauty, and love.

With gratitude,

Classical Conversations Willow Grove