In Memory of Micah Mukundi Gamble

Hello everyone,

As we approach the one year anniversary of my daughter, Micah Mukundi Gamble, I have decided to honour her memory in a way that reflects her strength, courage and love. This October, I will be running the 2025 Nike Melbourne Marathon in her name.

For those who are unaware of Micah’s story, here is a little recap.

At 10 weeks pregnant, we were told through a Harmony test that our baby girl may have Turner Syndrome. Given the inaccuracy of Harmony tests, we decided to wait before making any decisions. At 13 weeks, doctors were certain the condition was present. At 16 weeks, we did a CVS for confirmation. The first results came back negative, but two weeks later we were told that she did indeed have Turner Syndrome. It was disheartening, confusing, and made us even more sure of our choice to continue the pregnancy, as doctors themselves could not give us a decisive answer.

We had agreed that we would keep Micah. We chose not to have any further invasive testing, given the risk of miscarriage, especially since most children with Turner Syndrome go on to live relatively normal lives. With the advancements of medicine, Charlie and I decided we would welcome our daughter as she was and face challenges together after her birth.

As my pregnancy progressed, scans showed results that were not consistent with Turner Syndrome. Doctors suspected something else and pushed for further testing. But Micah had already beaten their odds by making it that far, and I could not risk her life with another invasive procedure. At 24 weeks, I was diagnosed with polyhydramnios, carrying around 4–5 litres of amniotic fluid. My life and Micah’s life were both at risk of uterine rupture. I underwent two amniotic reductions to relieve the pressure, but after that, my body began having regular contractions.

On 11 October 2024, after a frightening day of almost no movement, I went to hospital only to be told Micah needed to be delivered immediately or she would not survive. Micah was born at 26 weeks and 3 days. She blessed us with 26 precious hours before passing away on 12 October 2024.

On that day, we were also told that Micah did not have Turner Syndrome after all. Wanting answers for her and for any future children, we agreed to an autopsy. Eight months later, the genetic testing revealed Micah had Costello Syndrome.

Costello Syndrome is an extremely rare genetic condition caused by a mutation in the HRAS gene. It is estimated to affect only 100 to 1,500 people worldwide, making it one of the rarest conditions of its kind.

I had first thought of raising funds solely for the Costello Syndrome Family Network, but when I reflected on our journey, I realised that many organisations who carried us in our darkest days also deserve thanks.

Where your support will go

Funds raised will be donated equally to:

• Costello Syndrome Family Network – providing awareness and family support

• Women’s and Children’s Hospital Foundation – who paid for Micah’s funeral, gifted us priceless jewellery vouchers to engrave her tiny handprints and footprints, and even offered us a holiday home to celebrate her life with loved ones

• Red Tree Foundation – who supported us with counselling, support groups and friendships with families walking the same painful road

The remainder will go towards Miles for Micah, the charity I am starting in her honour. Its mission is to:

• Fund research into Costello Syndrome

• Provide practical support for grieving families, such as meals, cleaning and care packages

• Expand mental health support, including counselling and group programs

This marathon is more than just a race. It is my way of carrying Micah’s story forward, one step at a time, while helping other families who find themselves on a similar path.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your love, support and prayers. Every contribution keeps Micah’s light alive.

With love and light,

Audrey