In Memory of Calilah: Support for Giegie and Binal

On October 17, 2024, my sister Giegie flew up to Alaska to visit and support me, as she has my whole life.

At this time, my sister was 26 weeks pregnant with my niece, Calilah Kumar.

On October 21st, as a precautionary measure, she made an appointment at a free women’s clinic because she felt Calilah’s activity had decreased.

When we arrived, she received the heartbreaking news that her baby’s heartbeat nor blood flow could be detected.

She was advised to seek help at a nearby hospital. At this point, with my limited medical knowledge, I knew she was far along enough that the only safe outcome would be for her to be induced and deliver Calilah.

With this information, her husband, Binal, got on the soonest possible flight to be here with her.

I took her to the emergency room, where she was sent to OB Triage, where they agreed with the initial result. They confirmed the heartbreaking news that my baby niece had passed away in the womb.

Because my sister was 26 weeks, her pregnancy was too far along to be a miscarriage. Instead, she was induced into labor, having to give birth to her daughter she was so excited to meet. On October 22nd at 17:27, Calilah was here. In the same night, her parents were forced to say their goodbyes.

My sister has supported me through all my major milestones: graduation, the birth of my first child, and everything in between.

The pain and love I felt she and her husband had for my niece and for each other was both beautiful and heartbreaking.

For years, I had watched how hard she loved my children and knew her love for Calilah would be so much more.

She is an amazing aunt, and I know with all my heart she would have been the best mom.

For the short time she was here, she was loved more than most in their entire lifetime.

Prior to this visit, my sister had accepted a new job, as it was the best decision for her and her family. This also means, throughout all of this, she had no medical insurance.

After the loss of their beautiful baby girl, I believe the last thing they should have to worry about is everything that comes with this.

If you feel so inclined to, anything helps.

If you are unable to, please just at this time, pray for my sister and her family.

And on every October 22nd, please take a second to remember Calilah Angel Kumar

Thank you for reading.